INDIGO GROUP PREMIERSHIP
Cardiff will be looking to extend their 11-point lead at the top of the table tonight when they host aberavon at the arms Park (7.30pm).
it is one of two friday matches involving the top four teams in the league, with Pontypridd welcoming arch-rivals Merthyr to Sardis road (7.05pm) for another key contest.
None of the chasing pack can afford for the Blue & Blacks to carry on extending their unbeaten run if they are to stop their pursuit of a league and cup double.
“it is much too early in the season to be talking about title defining weekends. We all know we can’t allow Cardiff to get much further ahead, but there are still 14 games to play,” said Pontypridd director of rugby, Justin Burnell.
“They have a squad with a wealth of experience and depth. We certainly don’t have that at the moment, but i’ve very happy with the way my young squad is developing and performing.
“We were delighted to see Shane Lewis-Hughes break into the Wales squad for next week’s game because we gave him a full season of Premiership rugby before he made the grade at the Blues.
“Other Premiership clubs can say the same thing about so many players they helped to develop.”
Cardiff saw regulars Ben Thomas and James ratti make their European Challenge Cup debuts in the Blues win in Calvisano last weekend and both are on regional duty once again this weekend. dan fish and Jason Harries drop into the team for the game against the Wizards as Steve Law’s side attempts to make it eight from eight.
“i’m over the moon with the start we’ve made and i couldn’t have asked for any more,” said Law.
“i don’t think we are that much further ahead than anyone else in our personnel, but this is a good group of players that is growing in confidence and ability.
“They are beginning to problem solve in games and they are obviously enjoying their rugby.
“The coaching group will continue to challenge them and we know that aberavon will come looking to upset us.”
Llandovery will be looking to pick themselves up after two narrow defeats in a row when they head to Swansea.
Llanelli welcome Newport to Parc y Scarlets, while rGC 1404 host Ebbw Vale and Carmarthen Quins entertain bottom club Bridgend.