Cardiff RFC host Pontypool RFC this evening at the Cardiff Arms Park in their final Super Rygbi Cymru (SRC) Cup game (KO: 19:30).
They enter the contest against Pooler following a narrow 15-7 defeat by Carmarthen Quins five days earlier. This was Dan Fish’s side’s third straight defeat in the Cup after losing against Rygbi Gogledd Cymru (RGC), 34-5 and Newport RFC, 33-19.
Speaking on the Blue and Blacks SRC Cup campaign, captain Craig Hudd, who is playing his first match since the impressive triumph over Ebbw Vale in the league, said: “Yeah, it’s great to be back out there with the boys after a few knocks the last couple of weeks.
“As a group, we are disappointed with the results so far in the competition and know we need a performance Thursday night to build back into Aberavon in the league in two weeks.”
Cardiff last timeout at Carmarthen Park only crossed the whitewash once through Evan Rees. With Hudd returning this evening to captain the side, following his twin brother Nathan taking the helm over the last two weekends.
“It’s definitely a different situation and not one I’ve experienced before with me taking over captaincy from my twin brother.
“In all fairness, he’s led from the front excellently the last few weeks, but I’m sure he’s probably glad that he doesn’t have to give any more team talks,” added Craig.
The Blue and Blacks face a Pontypool side who come into this evening having had a three-week break from action. Their last outing, scheduled against the Quins at Pontypool Park, was postponed and will not be replayed, with both sides being awarded a 0-0 draw.
Elsewhere during the Cup competition, Pooler have recorded a 21-21 draw away at Newport Stadium and a home 21-10 triumph over RGC. They head to the Arms Park for the second time this season, following their previous outing taking place on a double-header day.
On that day in October, tries from Alun Rees, Tom Cottle, Joe Goodchild, Ben Fry, and Gavin Parry were accompanied by six points from the tee of Lloyd Lucas as the Blue and Blacks ran out 31-3 victors.
“It’s a big game for us as it’s the last game before we head back into the final few games of the season,” continued Hudd, as Cardiff face Aberavon, Pontypool, Llandovery, Newport, and Swansea in their remaining league fixtures.
“We are looking to finish strong and push for the top-of-the-league places. This is a great way to build into it against Pontypool.”
This evening will also see the first outing as Cardiff RFC players for Evan Nicholls-Ngasseu and Lucca Alexander-White, who are selected on the bench.
On seeing a number of U18s players being selected across the Cup competition, Hudd added: “It’s been very useful for us as a competition as it’s given us the opportunity for the younger boys to take to the field and express themselves.
“That will be no different against Pontypool.
“The boys have been selected because they are good enough to represent the club, and it’s our job (as senior players) to give them the confidence to go out there and show it.”
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