Cardiff RFC will aim to return to winning ways as they face Pontypool who have yet to get over the winning line in 2024.
Cardiff come into this game after winning three of their last five games against Ebbw Vale, Neath and Bridgend. On the other hand, Pooler have lost their last three games against Pontypridd, Carmarthen Quins and Aberavon.
With a good start to 2024 The Blue and Blacks sit on 53 points and are in fourth place. Whereas the hosts for Saturday’s game sit in sixth on 41 points.
Cardiff RFC last faced Pontypool back in October of last year at The Cardiff Arms Park. On that occasion Harrison James in the 78th minute brought the game back level 9-9 after a penalty kick.
However, after the restart, Amosa Nove charged down a clearance kick and scored the only try of the afternoon which sealed a 16-9 win for Pooler.
The last time The Blue and Blacks travelled to Pontypool Park was back in 2012 when Cardiff lost 32-13. The last time Cardiff won away at Pontypool was back in 2009, which saw The Blue and Blacks record a 38-10 bonus point win.
I caught up with Joe Goodchild in the lead up to the game and he gave me his thoughts ahead of the clash with Pontypool on Saturday, Goodchild said: “The mood after the game against Llandovery wasn’t great.”
“This is because the boys were disappointed and frustrated.”
“Everyone has rested and recovered well ready for a hard week of training and a big game this coming Saturday”, he added.
When talking on the head-to-head, Goodchild said: “Pontypool are a hard side to play at home never mind at Pontypool Park.”
“We are looking forward to the challenge and hopefully we can get back to winning ways.”
“I haven’t personally set myself any goals this season.”
“As I prefer to take each game as it comes and play the best I can”, he concluded.
Team News:
Steve Law makes numerous changes to his side that lost 54-26 to Llandovery last time out.
Christian Brooke returns to the starting XV to replace Freddie Barnes at tighthead. After starting on the blindside against Llandovery, Sean Moore moves back into the second row and replaces Johan Hodgendoorn.
Craig Hudd comes back into the starting XV to join brother Nathan on the flank. Tom Habberfield and Harrison James replace both Jamie Hill and Arwel Robson in the half-backs.
Dewi Cross comes in for Kodie Stone on the wing and Luke Pollock comes back into the team for the first time since The Blue and Blacks visit to the Gnoll. Joe Goodchild moves from wing to fullback as James Beal starts on the wing.
After coming off injured against Bridgend Ravens, Joey Tomlinson makes a speedy recovery and could make his return from the bench.
Cardiff RFC starting XV:
15. Joe Goodchild
14. James Beal
13. Luke Pollock
12. Arron Pinches
11. Dewi Cross
10. Harrison James
9. Tom Habberfield
1. Cam TylerGrocott
2. Alun Rees
3. Cristian Brooke
4. Sean Moore
5. Ethan Phillips
6. Craig Hudd
7. Nathan Hudd
8. Morgan Allen (C)
Replacements:
16. Joey Tomlinson
17. Eddie Drake
18. Adam Williams
19. Evan Rees
20. Ioan Pascoe
21. Joe Williams
22. Jacob Lloyd
23. Tom Hughes
Words By Harry Tovey
HTSPORTSNEWS 