It’s a change of tack for Neath on Saturday when the All Blacks open the defence of their WRU Championship Cup which they won last year with a home tie against Trebanos at The Gnoll (kick off 2.30pm).

Neath lost pole position in the league to Pontypool last week – their first defeat since September – so will be doubly determined to succeed on Saturday with a much-changed side.

A pacy back three includes Jonny Bayliss, Ryan Griffiths and fit-again wing Louis Rees with Sean Wilcox back at centre alongside skipper Ryan Evans while Steff Williams resumes his partnership with Macauley Griffiths at half.

Jack Powell, Josh Clark and Jonny Thomas, comprise the front row with the consistent Jacob Blackmore partnering Matthew Davies at lock. In the back row, Elis Hopkins and Owain Morgan flank Morgan Kneath.

Hooker Sion Crocker who made his 200th appearance for the Blacks last week will surely get a huge ovation from home supporters when he enters the fray from a strong bench which also features props Morgan Thomas and Gareth Lloyd, lock Sam Langford and back rowers David Griggs and Fergus Kneath.

Newly-returned scrum-half Luc Jones and outside-half Rhys Harris who joined Neath from Trebanos complete the line-up.

Neath v Trebanos (Home)

15 Jon Bayliss; 14 Ryan Griffiths, 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 Morgan Thomas, 18 Gareth Lloyd, 19 Sam Langford, 20 David Griggs, 21 Fergus Kneath, 22 Luc Jones, 23 Rhys Harris

Referee – Mr. Lewis Harrison (Bridgend)

January Fixtures :-

Sat     Jan    21      Trebanos                                   H       Cup

Sat     Jan    28      Bedwas                                     A        Championship