It’s got to be safety first for us in the Prem this season, admits Burnell
IT may be a top-of-the-table clash in the Principality Premiership tonight between Merthyr and Pontypridd, but visiting coach Justin Burnell admits winning the title isn’t the biggest thing in mind for his club this season.
Ponty may be only three points behind the reigning champions, and in a rich vein of form, but Burnell has set out his stall to reach Premiership safety first and foremost. Then, and only then, will silverware enter the equation.
“Last season, when we were split into regional leagues to begin with, there was some breathing space and things were a lot easier. With 30 straight league games this winter, and with four teams dropping out of the league, it is pretty cut-throat,” said Burnell.
“The first requirement is to get to the 50-point mark which will be required to secure a place in next season’s competition. We took Ebbw Vale’s unbeaten record, we’ve got to play Merthyr this week and there is a hectic period around Christmas.
“To do well you have to have good strength in depth because of the volume of matches. For some clubs that means having a good relationship with their regional teams, which we certainly have with the Blues.”
Former Sardis Road legend Dale McIntosh is eyeing up a third successive Premiership crown at The Wern and they will go into the game having lost only once at home, to Aberavon, this season.
The game against their A470 rivals is also the first of six successive home matches that could go a long way to deciding their title credentials this season.
Cardiff coach Steve Law has challenged his side to keep up the pressure when they face RGC1404 at the Arms Park tonight.
The Blue and Blacks are currently seven points off the top of the table.
“The big challenge for us is going to be containing RGC’s back division as they have some outstanding individuals who can score tries,” said Law.
“There’s not many points between ourselves and RGC so it’s an opportunity for us to put pressure on the top of the table and pull away from some other teams.”
Elsewhere, Carmarthen Quins host bottom club Neath while Llandovery face Ebbw Vale. Swansea will be looking to move away from the relegation zone with victory over Newport, while Bargoed and Bedwas welcome Bridgend and Aberavon respectively.