"EXPECT a mammoth forward battle." That's the view of Pontypool team manager Tony Clark, who says his men will have to fire on all cylinders in Saturday's game against Rumney.

Pooler won comfortably when the sides met at Riverside Park, where they burst past the 40-point barrier for the first time this season.

Since then Pooler have shown moments of brilliance while Rumney have battled on with just seven wins in 23 games.

But despite the comparison which suggests the two teams couldn't be any further apart, Clark isn't taking the game lightly.

"Rumney are not as negative as Treorchy and look to score points. Their forwards are better too. They could cause a few problems in the front five because their pack is good - they showed us that at their ground," Clark revealed.

He added: "I saw them against Llandovery and they kept the ball with the forwards and blew them away. They can be a surprising outfit when they want to be and are unpredictable."

Rumney boast some of Pooler's old stars - the most notable being big points scorer Matthew Silva.

"Matthew Silva and Martin Cawley both used to play for us and are capable players, as is full back Christian Wills. All can score points and are dangerous with the ball. "We cannot afford to lose our focus and most not underestimate them. There is no point in considering how many points we might score. All we have to do is keep the pressure on Aberavon," Clark added.

Pontypool have been boosted by the loan signing of James Taylor, who has joined until the end of the season from UWIC. Clark described the pacey winger as "a very good prospect for next season".

The Gwent side will be joined tomorrow by 35 members of the Canadian Schools Rugby Union who have been invited to Pontypool Park to see the game.

The North American players will join the coaches and players at the clubhouse after the match to sample some of Torfaen's famed hospitality.

Saturday's raffle draw at the ground is in aid of the St David's Hospice - a charity that has helped countelss people over the years. All tickets bought will provide it with vital cash so it can continue helping those in need.

Top try-scoring wing Lenny Woodard returns after a hamstring injury for Pontypool and second row Kuli Faletau after a virus, but Joel Griffin is out with a hamstring problem while flanker Cae Treherne is unavailable because of a family bereavement. New wing Taylor is among the replacements.

Pontypool: S Lawrence, L Woodard, S John, J Hawker, D Smith, B Hayward, N Lloyd, G Gunter, L Jones, N Tau, G Taylor, K Faletau, M Tuipulotu, A Howarth, S Waldron. Replacements: M Jones, A Phillips, C Thomas, M Powell, J Taylor, B Jefferies, G Jenkins. Kick-off 2.30pm. Meet ground 12.45pm.