Massive test for us – Goodfield
CARDIFF head coach Duane Goodfield is wary of the threat National Championship leaders Pontypool will pose ahead of their WRU National Cup second round clash this evening (6.30pm).
Pooler head to the BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park full of confidence after winning all 17 of their league games and claiming a Principality Premiership scalp in the last round – a 19-11 victory at Llanelli. And Goodfield is expecting a tough battle.
“It’s going to be a massive test. They have got a wealth of experience throughout the side and we’re not going to underestimate them,” he said.
“They are top of their league for a reason and went away to Llanelli [in the last round] and won quite comfortably. They’ve built that squad for silverware and they’ll be coming to take the spoils on Saturday night.
“Against Tata Steel, the boys did really well winning 76-22 but they know it’s not going to be like that this weekend.
“The boys are feeling good. It’s been a difficult few weeks but it’s a young squad built for the future. We’ve been performing really well, we’ve just been falling the wrong side of the scoreboard.”
But before the late kick-off, Bedwas and Merthyr clash (2.30pm) in one of seven other National Cup fixtures, and Bedwas head coach Steve Law is expecting a tough test despite winning 37-19 at The Wern earlier in the season.
“It’s been a very positive season. We’ve won two out of two in Tier One but Saturday will be a huge challenge for us,” he said.
“We’ll be honest and hard working on Saturday and if we show the same form we have shown so far then we’ll be in the game, but Merthyr won’t be happy about getting beaten in that manner at home and after losing to RGC 1404, they’ll be looking for a reaction and a performance.”
Merthyr assistant coach Dale McIntosh expressed his desire to win the cup, but acknowledged the difficult task ahead of them.
“The performance [against RGC 1404] was more than adequate but the result means that we need to bounce back,” he said.
“We want the cup, it’s a wonderful occasion and we hope the town will get behind us.
“We know how well Bedwas are playing at the moment and how consistent they are. We know it’s a big mountain to climb but we are more than prepared to have a crack at it.”
In the other fixtures, there are two Championship sides aiming to cause shocks and make the last eight. Narberth welcome last year’s beaten finalists Carmarthen Quins (2pm) while Beddau host Principality Premiership champions Ebbw Vale (2.30pm).
Current holders Llandovery host Tier Two outfit Bargoed while Pontypridd will hope to continue their close affinity with the competition as they clash with Newport.
Elsewhere, 2015 winners Bridgend Ravens welcome RGC 1404 and Cross Keys, who won the competition in 2012, host Neath (all 2.30pm).