RGC 1404 RFC v Pontypool RFC

Leighton Jones wants his players to “express themselves” as they prepare for their final game of the season at RGC.

Pooler make the longest trip of the season to Stadiwm CSM to round off the campaign and head coach Jones is hoping to end on a high.

Pontypool come into the game on the back of two narrow defeats to Ebbw Vale and Merthyr, but have picked up three points from those games to stay on track for a top-five finish on their return to the Premiership.

In contrast, RGC enjoyed victory at Neath in their last encounter, which came after a narrow defeat to Pontypridd where the Valley Commandos needed a late brace to snatch a victory.

The two sides met in early April at Pontypool Park where Pooler came out victors and they will be looking to claim a double over the North Walian outfit, which would secure fifth place.

“It’s a long, old journey but the boys will appreciate that last 48 hours together,” said Jones.

“Hopefully we can go up there and do ourselves, our families and supporters proud and get a win.

“We’ve got to go there, express ourselves and play for each other.

“Some boys will be moving on, some boys will be retiring so it will be that one last pull together to sign off in style rather than just going up there and getting over the line.

“They play a good style of rugby, they like to throw the ball around so hopefully we get good weather.

“The pitch is decent so with two teams who want to play a bit of rugby hopefully we can put on a bit of a show.”

Jones described Thursday’s defeat to the Ironmen as a “learning curve” and hopes the lessons learned can be applied quickly.

“Probably the worst 40 minutes of our season, inaccuracies, errors but I think there were some heavy legs, some tired boys,” said Jones.

“At half time we spoke about what we are about, what our DNA is and in the second half the boys started with a lot more hunger and energy.

“The boys who came off the bench added, as they always do, and we made a game of it.

“We can’t produce 40 minutes like that and expect to win a game. It’s a learning curve for us.”