After last wek’s frosts caused a postponement, Neath and Trebanos try again at The Gnoll (kick off 2.30pm) on Saturday when the All Blacks open the defence of the WRU Championship Cup which they won last year.

Neath make one change from the side selected for last week’s game with winger James Roberts returning after a long injury lay-off in place of Ryan Griffiths.

Hooker Sion Crocker who made his 200th appearance for the Blacks at Bargoed is lined up to get a huge ovation from home supporters when he enters the fray from a strong replacements’ bench from which scrum-half Luc Jones will make his re-appearance.

With much of the squad now back to fitness, locks Ioan Jones (Ystalyfera) and Sam Martin (Swansea) are out on permit at the weekend.

Neath v Trebanos (Home)

15 Jon Bayliss; 14 James Roberts, 13 Ryan Evans (captain),12 Sean Wilcox, 11 Louis Rees; 10 Steff Williams, 9 Macauley Griffiths; 1 Jack Powell, 2 Josh Clark, 3 Jon Thomas; 4 Jacob Blackmore, 5 Matthew Davies; 6 Elis Hopkins, 8 Morgan Kneath, 7 Owain Morgan

Replacements –  16 Sion Crocker, 17 Gareth Lloyd, 18 Sam Langford, 19 David Griggs, 20 Luc Jones, 21 Rhys Harris, 22 Aled Brew

Referee – Mr. Keith David (Bridgend)

Forthcoming Fixtures :-

Fri     Feb      3      Penybanc                        H       7.15pm        Centenary Fixture

Sat     Feb    18      Pontypool                        H       2.30pm        Championship

Sat     Feb    25      Bedwas                           A        12.30pm        Championship