Neath open the New Year with a journey to the Wern to play Merthyr in the WRU Premiership on Saturday (kick off 2.30pm).

Only Bargoed have won at Merthyr this season so the All Blacks know that they will need to be at the top of their game.

Last time out, Merthyr defeated Brecon 47-37 while Neath attracted a record Premiership crowd of 4,784 for their Boxing Day 22-nil win over Bonymaen.

The All Blacks make seven squad changes to the starting line-up.

Up front, hooker Josh Clark and prop Tarik Dabeh come into the front row with lock Jacob Blackmore and No.8 Morgan Kneath also returning.

Behind the scrum, Nathan Orrells starts on the wing with Gareth Rees back at centre and Rhodri Cole at scrum-half.

Neath v Merthyr (Away)

15 Iestyn Morgan; 14 Nathan Orrells, 13 Gareth Rees, 12 Kieran Charles, 11 Ryan Griffiths; 10 Steff Williams, 9 Rhodri Cole; 1 Mason Morgan, 2 Josh Clark, 3 Tarik Dabeh; 4 Jacob Blackmore, 5 Matthew Davies; 6 Ben Williams (captain), 8 Morgan Kneath, 7 Casey Williams

Replacements  – 16 Kian Jones, 17 Rhys Taylor, 18 Gareth Lloyd, 19 Cai Arnold, 20 Owain Morgan, 21 Gethin Tremlett, 22 Ellis Lewis, 23 Matthew Jenkins

Referee – Mr. Andrew Moule (Port Talbot)  AR3 – Mr. Tony Davies (Brecon)

Forthcoming Fixtures

Saturday     January 11  Brecon                                 Home          2.30pm

Saturday     January 18  Newbridge                            Home          2.30pm

Saturday  January 25  Cross Keys                             Away          2.30pm

Saturday     February 1  Newcastle Emlyn                   Home          2.30pm