Neath travel west to Newcastle Emlyn in the WRU Premiership on Saturday (kick off 2.30pm).

Neath have visited Newcastle Emlyn before – in 2002/03 (the last pre-regional season) for a celebratory game arranged by former Neath and Wales hooker Kevin Phillips. But this will be the first time that the All Blacks have played Newcastle Emlyn in the league.

Neath currently lie third in the table after losing the season’s opener to Merthyr then winning at Brecon and Newbridge and at home to Cross Keys.

It will be red-letter day for prop Gareth Lloyd who will play his 100th game for Neath. Work commitments have sometimes restricted his appearances but Gareth has been a rock of solidity in the Neath pack since his debut on Boxing Day 2018.

Neath make several changes from last week’s Cup game with Iestyn Morgan resuming at full back and Nathan Orrells and Ryan Griffiths on the wings. Matthew Jenkins partners Kieran Charles at centre while Steff Williams is partnered by Ellis Lewis at half-back.

Up front, Gareth Lloyd will have Evan Kneath and Mason Morgan for company in the front row, Matthew Davies and Cai Arnold will lock the scrum with Jacob Blackmore and Gethin Tremlett alongside skipper Ben Williams in the back row.

Jack Powell and Morgan Kneath return as replacements together with George Richards.

Neath v Newcastle Emlyn (Away)

15 Iestyn Morgan; 14 Nathan Orrells, 13 Matthew Jenkins, 12 Kieran Charles, 11 Ryan Griffiths; 10 Steff Williams, 9 Ellis Lewis; 1 Gareth Lloyd, 2 Evan Kneath, 3 Mason Morgan; 4 Matthew Davies, 5 Cai Arnold; 6 Jacob Blackmore, 8 Ben Williams (captain),  7 Gethin Tremlett

Replacements – 16 Kian Jones, 17 Jack Powell, 18 Tarik Dabeh, 19 Morgan Kneath, 20 Casey Williams,  21 Rhodri Cole, 22 George Richards, 23 Ki Morgan

Referee – Mr. Lucas Yendle (Nelson)

Next Fixture

Saturday     October      19     Ystrad Rhondda                     Home          2.30pm