Pooler are ready for Neath (From South Wales Argus)

Pooler are ready for Neath

4:20pm Friday 27th January 2012 in Gwent Rugby By Iwan Davies

PONTYPOOL’S two-week enforced break without any action hasn’t made for the perfect preparations but they are more than ready for Neath, assistant coach Mike Hook insists.

Pooler were without a match last week because of a reduced league programme due to the British & Irish Cup and their home game against Llanelli a fortnight ago was postponed because of a frozen pitch.

Pontypool have been in good form of late despite losing their last two games at home.

They were beaten narrowly by both Cross Keys and Llandovery after winning three in a row against Bedwas, Bridgend and the Drovers.

Neath didn’t have a game last week but they beat table toppers Llandovery on January 14 in the league with a convincing 28-15 win at The Gnoll.

That victory was a desperately needed one for the Welsh All Blacks who had lost four and won just one of their previous five games.

And although Neath are a side with an impressive cup pedigree, champions six times (most recently in 2008 and 2009), Hook thinks Pooler can knock them out.

“Neath are always a big challenge but with our recent home form, we fancy our chances against anyone,” he said. “It hasn’t been ideal not having a game for two weeks but the boys have been hitting the ground running in training.”

Pooler are without two key players in back rower and captain Geraint Morris (shoulder) and centre Dan Robinson who is unavailable.

They will be without their promising No 8 Ieuan Jones who has been called up by Newport Gwent Dragons for tonight’s LV= Cup clash with the Ospreys in Bridgend.

The 18-year-old made his regional debut in October as a replacement in their stunning 30-29 away win against Wasps in that competition.

The Blackwood-born back rower makes his first start for the Dragons this evening in what will be his second game for them.

Hook said: “We are delighted for Ieuan and are pleased with his development this season. It’s great to see him playing for the Dragons.

“That’s what we are about as a club and coaches – to develop not only the team but individuals as well.

“We’re also pleased to see Geraint O’Driscoll getting called up again.”

Full back O’Driscoll, 23, is on the bench at Bridgend’s Brewery Field and is looking to make his fourth appearance for the region.

Pooler hope he will play against Neath but his availability depends on how long he features tonight.

Pontypool: G O’Driscoll, G Williams, D Roberts, A Davies, R Owen, T Hancock, C Morgan, D Barlow, R Prosser, N Blake, D Critchley, R Bowen, L Dyckhoff, C Attwell (capt), J Thomas. Replacements: R Budina, M Burke, M Thomas, M Barber, R Jones, J Jeune, J Faletau.