Pooler are up for another shock
RUNAWAY Championship leaders Pontypool entertain twice beaten finalists Carmarthen Quins this afternoon in the pick of the WRU National Cup second round ties.
The game at Pontypool Park (2.45pm) has added spice in that it will be televised live on S4C, with Pooler hoping to cause another cup shock.
They caused upsets at both Llanelli and Cardiff last term before eventually bowing out to Cross Keys in the last eight, while they thumped Tata Steel 55-14 in the first round of this season’s competition earlier this month.
Meanwhile, the Quins, who had a bye through round one, last reached the final two years ago and will have their sights firmly set on a return to the Principality Stadium to make it third time lucky.
Ahead of the game, Pooler head coach Leighton Jones said: “The boys are excited.
“It’s a different tag for us; I think in the league we go into games as favourites, but we go into this as massive underdogs really. We know we’ve got a massive test in front of us.
“Carmarthen are a top team and we’ll give them every bit of respect they deserve.
“But this why the boys turn up and are playing rugby.
“They want to test themselves against one of the best Premiership teams in Wales – and we’ve got our opportunity.
“A lot of the boys who were involved in the cup games last year really enjoyed the experience and being on telly again gives added incentive.”
Meanwhile, Ebbw Vale, who knocked out holders RGC 1404 in the last round, will be led for the first time by new head coach Greg Woods they head to the Brewery Field to face 2015 winners Bridgend Ravens.
Woods’ final act before departing Cross Keys after 15 years was to oversee their win over six-time former winners and last season’s runners-up Pontypridd in round one.
And today also marks the beginning of a new era at Pandy Park where Keys host Championship side Bedlinog.
Keys are now under the guidance of new coach Morgan Stoddart who, along with former Wales and Lions second row Ian Evans, will be hoping to steer them into the last eight.
Llandovery, winners in 2007 and 2016, welcome 14-time former champions Llanelli to Church Bank.
There is also another tasty allPremiership encounter in store at the Arms Park where Cardiff do battle with Merthyr.
The other ties today see Bargoed lock horns with Rhydyfelin and Bedwas hoping to avoid a potential banana skin as they go to Beddau.
All of today’s other games begin at 2.30pm.
The one remaining second round tie is at Rodney Parade tomorrow where Newport will go head-to-head with Aberavon (2.30pm).