Search for
Search for
Search forTest of character for struggling champs
Thursday, December 04, 2008, 18:59
In what promises to be a mouthwatering Principality Premiership contest at The Gnoll tomorrow (2.30), the four-times winners will be in determined mood to prove they are not yet out of the race.
In what has been a disappointing campaign for director of rugby Rowland Phillips and his side, Neath are currently 13 points adrift of their West Wales rivals with five defeats from their 11 matches.
That is just one less than the whole of last season's title-winning campaign and Phillips knows they cannot afford for leaders Llanelli to pull further clear this weekend.
"We have a lot of hard work to do, but there is a will in the club to turn the situation around," said Phillips.
The Welsh All Blacks are without flanker James Merriman and flyer Dave Evans, who are on Wales sevens duty in George, South Africa, although wing Kristian Phillips is set to feature after making his comeback from injury for the Ospreys in Edinburgh last week.
As for Llanelli, victory at The Gnoll will be their biggest statement yet that they can last the distance this year.
With just one defeat so far this season, it has been a dream start for head of rugby Anthony Buchanan in his first term at the helm.
However, the former Llanelli and Wales prop is well aware of what dangers are lurking at The Gnoll.
"As I found on many occasions in the past, The Gnoll is always a tough place to go and the fans are pretty vocal and passionate there," said Buchanan.
"It is going to be a big test for us, but we are going there with confidence.
"If we are to consider ourselves contenders for the title, we have to go to The Gnoll and come away with a win.
"Neath are an experienced side and they have proven over the years how motivated they are for success at this level.
"Traditionally, games between us tend to be tight affairs and I don't expect Saturday to be any different.
"After a couple of recent failures I am sure they will be determined to turn things around with a big performance against us."
Llanelli have been bolstered by the availability of the Scarlets' Samoan hooker Mo Schwalger, who isn't registered for Heineken Cup duty this week.
Back-rower James Bater returns after a lay-off with a neck injury, while No. 8 Dan Godfrey, who missed the hard-earned away win at Ebbw Vale, returns to skipper the side.
Luke Richards wears the No. 10 jersey against the side where he started his senior career, while lock Aaron Shingler, who has signed a two-year development contract with the Scarlets, will be looking to make a further impression.
Llanelli: D. Newton; M. Jacob, N. Reynolds, A. Banfield, M. Davies; L. Richards, G. Davies; S. Hopkins, M. Schwalger, S. Gardner, A. Shingler, A. Powell, L. Jones, D. Godfrey (capt), J. Bater. Reps: A. Hopkins, C. Hawkins, I. Jones, S. Peters, J. James, N. Jones, M. Brayley.
Neath: to be announced
Comment on this story