Carmarthen Quins v Pontypridd (Talbot Athletic Ground, Saturday 13 April)
After securing a top finish in the league at a canter, Ponty have no time to sit back and rest on their laurels as they turn their attentions to a mouth watering Cup semi-final.
Quins were hammered away at Newport last weekend and while that is hardly the best preparation for facing a side that has completed the double over you this season, they have recalled several experienced players into their matchday XV with Richard Wilkes, Gavin Evans, Ellis Lloyd, Rhodri Wells, Jason Harries and Lee Williams.
It is almost three years to the day since Quins shocked Ponty at this stage in the competition and Dale McIntosh’s men will not run out on Saturday thinking they will be in for an easy time of it.
Like most people, I’m ultimately going to plump for Ponty, but I’ve seen Quins play a few times this season and if they get it right on the day, I could still see them coming away with the victory.
Verdict - Pontypridd by 6 points.
Neath v Aberavon (St Helens, Sunday 14 April)
Neither Neath nor Aberavon have had the greatest of seasons, both having languished at the wrong end of the Premiership table, and a Cup final would really be either teams' salvation this season.
Aberavon claimed a narrow win over Neath at the Gnoll a couple of weeks ago, but I don’t think any psychological battles were won that day. I think what may prove to be more pivotal to the Wizards' psyche is the way in which they came back and beat Cross Keys last weekend.
Neath on the other hand have had two weeks to prepare for this game and should be raring to go. This match is a close one to call but I think Aberavon will be the ones to clinch a final date at the Millennium Stadium in May.
Verdict - Aberavon by 3 points.
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