PONTYPOOL are braced for one of their sternest tests of the season when they attempt to retain their perfect record at second-placed Narberth in the WRU Championship this afternoon, writes Chris Kirwan.

Table-topping Pooler beat Glamorgan Wanderers 47-11 last weekend to make it 11 wins from 11 but today's hosts stopped them extending their nine-point lead by thumping Tata Steel 46-5.

Narberth have also enjoyed a fine start to the campaign with nine victories to their name, one of their two disappointments coming in Gwent on the opening day of the season.

Pooler ran out 40-6 victors thanks to tries by Josh Hurley (2), Kieran Meek, Ben Parry, Gareth Rusby-Davies and Ben Sparks but head coach Leighton Jones knows things won't be so routine this afternoon.

"Narberth have been a very good team in recent seasons so it's no surprise that they are up there with us," he said.

"We might have beaten them early in the season but they have come a long way since then and have had some convincing wins in their recent games so we are expecting a really tough test.

"They have got a big pack but also a very smart game with two kickers who will play for territory and try to squeeze us into mistakes.

"But our game has developed recently; at the start of the season I think we were renowned for our power game but in the last few weeks we've had a better shape and have played a wider game.

"Our running rugby has come on nicely and I think we have a more complete game now. We can play what's in front of us, although at Narberth we know that we have to perform up front."

Pontypool did the double over Narberth last season, winning 26-18 in Pembrokeshire and then recording a 22-10 success in Gwent.

Bottom club Newbridge will be hoping to beat the weather and second-from-bottom Dunvant this afternoon after their encounter with Glynneath was postponed last weekend.

The Welfare Ground was waterlogged but the three teams above them – today's guests, Cardiff Met and the Wanderers – all suffered heavy defeats so didn't stretch away.

'Bridge will be keen to show that they have made strides since their 23-0 loss out west on the opening day of the season.

Fixtures: Beddau v Tata Steel, Cardiff Met v Newcastle Emlyn, Glamorgan Wanderers v Bedlinog, Glynneath v Skewen, Narberth v Pontypool, Newbridge v Dunvant