Whites are ready for physical challenge

SWANSEA insist they will be able to match Bedwas's physicality when the sides meet in the Principality Premiership tomorrow (2.30).

The Whites lost 15-13 on their last visit to the Bridge Field, though they have started this season in encouraging style after beating Aberavon 32-13 last Saturday.

That came after a defeat to Neath on the opening weekend, while Bedwas followed their win against Carmarthen Quins with a loss to Pontypridd last Saturday.

"Bedwas will be very tough — they always are, particularly at home," said Swansea's team manager Ian Hopkins.

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"We've been up there in the past and led by 15 or 20 points and been pegged back. They're a really dogged bunch.

"We expect nothing different from them tomorrow. They'll be tough up front and we'll have to be at our best.

"Hopefully the weather will be reasonably kind and we can play some good rugby.

"Gwent sides are always renowned for the strength up front. Bedwas are a difficult team to play but we showed against Neath and Aberavon that we can compete against big, physical sides."

Swansea, who are fifth in the Premiership table, and seventh- placed Bedwas have both collected five points from their first two matches of the term.

"We've started quite strongly this season," said Hopkins.

"I thought we competed well against Neath and we were all delighted with the win against Aberavon.

"That was an excellent performance against a good side, and to get the bonus point was great.

Change

"We've worked really hard in training, and that's showing with our set-pieces and the way we're starting to take our chances."

Swansea finished tenth last season, the club's worst position in the Premiership's semi-pro era.

With Mefin Davies replacing Jason Hyatt at the helm and a number of players coming and going, St Helen's has undergone a summer of much change.

And following last weekend's derby triumph over Aberavon, Hopkins feels the Whites are on the road to recovery.

"Hopefully we can really improve on last season," he said.

"It's pointless to think we'll be languishing towards the bottom of the table again. You might as well not be there if you think like that.

"We want to turn it around and make a lot of progress this season.

"This is still a young side. They're beginning to gel now and, the more they play together, the better they will get."

Swansea: R. Williams; J. Skidmore, C. Shelmerdine, B. Roberts, J. Morgan; S. Davies, J. Preddy; R. Jones, P. John, A. Mason, S. Kiley, R. Hughes, D. Blyth, S. Jones, J. McKenna. Reps: S. Otten, N. Smith, I. Williams, J. Barley, D. Baker, W. Batcup, N. Thomas, J. Thomas.