Swansea RFC vs Pontypool – Super Rygbi Cymru Match Preview
By Peter Ryan – @PeterRyanSports
On Thursday, Pontypool will make the hour-plus journey to St Helens to take on Swansea RFC under floodlights.
The Super Rygbi Cymru season is in full flow, and the competition’s pecking order is beginning to take shape.
Both sides will be looking to climb up the table in a game where either team could secure a result.
This match holds significant importance for both teams, as it could potentially shape their positions in the league.
It promises to be an intriguing encounter in Swansea, with a few betting options to go along with it.
Swansea RFC
It hasn’t been the start to the season that Swansea fans would have wanted. The Hugh Gustafson-led team has yet to win in the new competition.
Swansea travelled west to Church Bank a week ago to face an impressive Llandovery.
The Drovers proved too strong, despite a promising start from Swansea. It looked like a very tight, scrappy game after the first 40 minutes.
However, Llandovery shifted gears and finished the game 42-13. Swansea showed promising signs in the first half and kept up with last year’s Premiership champions.
Looking at it from a statistical perspective, Swansea sits at the bottom of the SRC. They have shown some potential on the attacking front.
To date, Swansea has scored 132 points, an average of 22 points per game. Defensively, however, is where their struggles lie; they have conceded 219 points, an average of 36.5 points per game.
There are a couple of players who could light a spark on the pitch. Captain Joe Thomas is a very influential athlete who plays some great rugby.
Luca Giannini made an impact last time out in the back row. He brings much experience from his time with the Scarlets. Swansea will be desperate for a win and should back themselves at home.
Pontypool RFC
From third to eighth, there is hardly anything separating the teams, and Pontypool is very much in the mix.
This resilient side has dealt with some off-field movement but has achieved significant results. A case in point was a massive win in the Gwent derby against Newport, a highly anticipated and fiercely contested local rivalry.
It was a tight game that finished 17-14. Pontypool will be thrilled with this impressive score, as Newport will likely be a team in contention towards the back end of the season.
Pontypool should take a lot of confidence from the win last weekend and will head to Swansea with their heads held high.
They enter the contest sitting sixth in the table with 17 points. The Poolers have scored a total of 169 points, with an average of 28 points per game.
Opponents have accumulated 189 points against Pontypool, meaning they concede an average of 31.5 points per game.
Kieran Meek is a reliable goal-kicker to watch on Pontypool’s side. They also have a young Welsh dynamo in Harri Ford, who has experience with the Bridgend Ravens and RGC and is an exciting prospect but isn’t in the lineup for tonight.
Pontypool will head to St Helens fully capable of getting a result.
The Bets
There are some interesting bets to consider for the game. The best bet is for Pontypool to come away with the victory.
Pontypool enters the contest as a 1/4 favourite. They are in good form and will be buoyed by their win over Newport.
When looking at the handicaps, there seems to be decent value in backing Pontypool to win by more than 10 points.
Swansea have been conceding a lot of points on average, so if they are not at their best, Pontypool could secure a comfortable win.
However, for those who favour an underdog, the home team could be worth backing. Swansea will be hungry to secure their first victory of the year.
Historically, Swansea has had success when the two sides meet, winning 55% of the clashes. With the potential for a high-scoring game, this match will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Best Bet: Pontypool to win – 1/4
Value Bet: Pontypool to win by more than 10 – 10/11
Longshot Bet: Swansea to win – 5/2
