Welsh Premiership weekend predictions

THE opening weekend of the Welsh Premiership season threw up a couple of surprise results although champions Pontypridd started where they left off last term with a win at Cross Keys.

Newport, Bridgend, Llandovery, Bedwas and Neath were the other winners last Saturday so will be bidding to make it two from two this weekend.

There are five matches tomorrow and one tonight as Newport host Llanelli at Rodney Parade and if the hosts don’t lose they’ll go top of the table.

Welsh Premiership predictions (week two)

Newport v Llanelli

There were contrasting fortunes for these two last weekend with Newport sneaking a win at Aberavon and Llanelli being edged out by Bridgend at the Brewery Field.

Llanelli have captain Adam Powell back in the starting line-up while Newport have skipper Gethin Robinson back from injury on the bench.

In the last five matches between the two there has been an average of 68 points scored so it could be an entertaining encounter if the past is anything to go by.

Verdict – Newport by five points

Carmarthen Quins v Cardiff

Both sides were losers on the first day of the campaign with Cardiff beaten comfortably by Llandovery at the Arms Park.

Director of rugby Martyn Fowler will want a big reaction from his men but so will Steve Williams at Carmarthen Park after they lost to Bedwas.

Verdict – Quins by seven points

Cross Keys v Bridgend

Keys are home for the second week running and will be thankful for the venue change as their opening day defeat to Pontypridd wasn’t a good way to get the season up and running at Pandy Park.

They will have to address the discipline issues which led to two yellow cards and one red against Ponty as it was when they were down to 14 men that Keys shipped nearly all of the 28 points they conceded.

Verdict – Keys by four points

Neath v Llandovery

The Drovers had an unexpectedly routine start to the new term at Cardiff but should be given a much sterner test by Neath in front of a passionate home support at The Gnoll.

If they do come away with a win, Llandovery wouldn’t be a bad outside bet to make the play-offs but it is likely to be a close affair tomorrow. Neath do have some injury worries which could go against them.

Verdict – Llandovery by six points

Pontypridd v Bedwas

Two more clubs that are looking for a second successive win after victories over Keys and Quins respectively last time out.

Home advantage is always worth a couple of extras points to Pontypridd and although Bedwas are a stronger-looking outfit this season you have to go with the Sardis Road side.

Verdict – Pontypridd by 10 points

Swansea v Aberavon

Whites coach Mefin Davies began his tenure with a loss at Neath so he’ll be hoping the surroundings of St Helen’s can inspire his troops to a first victory of the new campaign.

Aberavon won 22-17 in the same fixture last season but will have to keep Swansea playmaker Sam Davies quiet if they don’t want to let the Whites get on top.

Verdict – Aberavon by eight points

By David Williams