This weekend sees the second round of the Swalec Cup being played, with those sides who had a bye in the first round coming in to the draw, including defending champions Cross Keys. We have already seen high profile casualties from the last round of matches, with Cup heavyweights Llanelli dispatched by Pontypridd while Llandovery also fell by the sidelines. If you’re looking to witness a a high-profile cup defeat this weekend, however, my money would be on either Bargoed or Ebbw Vale upsetting the apple-cart.
Aberavon v Beddau
The Wizards go into this match in uncharted territory having won two games on the bounce for the first time this season, and Simon King’s men will be keen to keep up the momentum and avoid losing out to lower league opposition two years in a row.
"We're looking forward to tomorrow's match but we're mindful of what a threat Beddau can be.
"You only need to look back to our game against Bargoed to see what can happen in the cup. But we've prepared thoroughly and hopefully we can keep our run going,” said King.
The Green and Golds have had a solid season in the Championship and will certainly put their body on the lines, but I don’t envisage a Cup upset at the Talbot Athletic Ground tomorrow.
Verdict - Aberavon by 20 points
Bargoed v Bridgend
The Championship side will no doubt be rubbing their hands together at the prospect of taking a Premiership scalp on home territory. Bargoed have only lost once all season but haven’t looked their fluent best in recent weeks, dropping points and losing the impetus in the title race. However, they have a strong pack and have previous form, dumping Aberavon out last season.
The Ravens welcome back influential Jamie Murphy to the fold for the tie but are missing a number of players to various International and Regional commitments. Bridgend should win but I think it will be close.
Verdict - Bridgend by 6 points
Blackwood v Glamorgan Wanderers
The only all Championship clash will provide one of these clubs a golden opportunity of bagging a quarter-final place. Up until Christmas, Blackwood looked to be in danger of becoming embroiled in the fight for survival, but have switched up a gear since the New Year and have given themselves some breathing space. The Wanderers on the other hand are in the midst of a relegation battle and currently sit in the drop zone, but maybe a Cup run would be a welcome distraction.
“Cup rugby always brings a new dimension, despite the game being against a league opponent such as Blackwood. They were victorious against us recently but it was a game we felt we should have won. It’s a close one to call,” commented Wanderers’ Manager Luke Burton.
Verdict - Blackwood by 7 points
Cardiff v Ebbw Vale
Cardiff made it hard work for themselves in the last round against Cardiff Met and know that if they produce a similar performance tomorrow they may not come through. The Blue and Blacks also struggled in the League last week, going down to 14 man Aberavon. However, this is a knock-out competition with both sides desperate to relive the glory days of yesteryear.
The Steelmen under the tutelage of Jason Strange have gone from strength to strength in the Championship this season. The Gwent side will hope it will be a little bit of history repeating itself tomorrow, as they look to replicate last season’s performances where they knocked out Carmarthen Quins and Newport in the Cup. Once again, I’m going to plump for a Premiership win but come 4 o’clock tomorrow, it wouldn’t shock me if the Steelmen were on the right side of the scoreline.
Verdict - Cardiff by 3 points
Carmarthen Quins v Bedwas
Bedwas have been a revelation so far this season and were too strong for Llandovery last week, but the Quins will no doubt be ready and waiting. Bedwas won this fixture in the league by a solitary point back in November and I expect another close contest tomorrow. This is a tight one to call; Quins have home advantage but Bedwas have built up some impressive momentum and really dominated Llandovery last week.
Verdict - Carmarthen Quins by 2 points
Neath v Cross Keys
As defending Cup champions, Cross Keys will look for a repeat performance and result that saw them run out comfortable winners in the league last Friday. Many people may feel that this match is a foregone conclusion, but Patrick Horgan should have a stronger squad to pick from and robustly dismissed that the match was only going to go one way.
"We know it's going to be tough. Cross Keys showed us last week why they are in the top three,” commented Horgan
"The return of some key personnel could not have come at a better time and it will be nice to have some selection options at last.
"We did not always get the rub of the green or the decisions last week and are overdue a bit of luck, but while Keys see themselves as favourites, we can definitely bounce back.”
Though I can’t see Cross Keys relinquishing the defence of their Cup tomorrow, I think it may turn out to be a more evenly contested match than a week ago.
Verdict - Cross Keys by 10 points
Newport v Swansea
Another all Premiership affair, neither of these sides have set the world alight so far this season. Newport bagged a record Cup win over Bonymaen in the last round and will undoubtedly start as favourites against the All Whites, who remain rooted to the basement of the League. This match is probably the only tie in doubt with Rodney Parade taking a hammering over the past few weeks and with the Dragons due to play on Friday night, any rain thereafter could prove terminal for the clash.
Verdict - Newport by 12 points
Tata Steel v Pontypridd
Pontypridd who overcame a daunting first round tie at Llanelli in the last round are again on their travels, but this time to the less prestigious Margam ground of Championship mid-table outfit, Tata Steel. Ponty who were beaten finalists last season will undoubtedly start as firm favourites, and my initial thought when I saw this fixture was simply how much the scoreline would be in the Premiership side’s favour. With Ponty having picked a strong starting line up, I fear that may indeed be the case for the Port Talbot side.
Verdict - Pontypridd by 40 points.
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