Cardiff RFC face Swansea RFC this evening (KO: 19:30) in their latest Super Rygbi Cymru fixture as they head to St Helen’s to continue their 150th season.
Dan Fish’s side will arrive in Swansea in fine form after extending their unbeaten start to the campaign with a convincing 35-12 victory over Carmarthen Quins at the Cardiff Arms Park last Saturday.
Full-back Ben Coomer crossed for the hosts’ only first-half try, before Dewi Cross, Sion Davies, Tom Howe and Iwan Pyrs-Jones all got on the scoresheet to secure another six-point bonus-point win.
“Happy with the result against Carmarthen, as we came away with maximum points but slightly disappointed with the way we performed,” said captain Craig Hudd.
“We weren’t at our best and missed a few chances that we’d usually take on another day.”
It was a result that sees the Blue and Blacks enter the clash against the Whites as top of the league. This follows Newport RFC’s emphatic 65-28 defeat away to Rygbi Gogledd Cymru (RGC) in Colwyn Bay and puts Cardiff in pole position.
With Thursday’s fixture coming just five days after their victory over the Quins, Hudd acknowledged the short turnaround but stressed that the squad are accustomed to the demands of midweek fixtures.
“Yes, it’s a short week for us this week with a quick turnaround; it’s nothing we’re not used to as we often get these Thursday night games,” Hudd continued.
“Having played Swansea recently, it gives us an insight as to what to expect from them, and training will be about tidying up a few things from the weekend and installing our game plan for Swansea.”
In their last meeting, the Blue and Blacks secured a hard-fought 49-35 victory in a thrilling contest at Cardiff Arms Park, the first home game of their sesquicentennial season.
That evening, Ioan Emanuel, Tom Howe, Tom Cottle, Dewi Cross, Jason Harries, Tirion Bowen, and Isaac Marsh all scored, as Ben Coomer slotted 14 points from the tee.
Since then, Cardiff have also recorded stunning victories against both Pontypool and Ebbw Vale RFC. For the Whites, they remain the only side this season without a win.
However, they returned to the newly revamped St Helen’s with a narrow 27-26 defeat to the Steelmen after a brilliant comeback.
Cardiff will make their first trip to St Helen’s since October 2024 tonight and in their last encounter, the Blue and Blacks secured a 38-29 victory.
“Definitely looking forward to playing back at St Helen’s,” added Hudd.
“I have played there many times over the years as I actually used to live in a house that backed onto the pitch. Really looking forward to seeing the new set-up there.
“We are expecting another good game against Swansea. They gave us a tight game at home, and they pushed Ebbw Vale right until the end last Saturday.
“So it’ll be another physical encounter, and with the back line they have, they can cause a threat from anywhere, so we have to be on our top game.”
For those unable to make it to St Helen’s this evening, make sure to follow Cardiff RFC’s social media channels (X, Facebook, and Instagram) for the latest updates.
