PONTYPOOL face their strongest rivals for a promotion play-off when they host Narberth in the WRU National Championship this afternoon, writes Chris Kirwan.

Pooler have won five from five as they hunt a hat-trick of titles, a feat that would earn a shot at the side that finishes fifth from the bottom of the Principality Premiership for a place in the top flight.

However, Narberth and Cardiff Met have also started the season perfectly, albeit with three bonus points to the champions' four.

History suggests that the Otters will provide a sterner test over the course of the campaign that the students.

When Pooler lifted the trophy in 2017 Narberth were runners-up and the order was repeated last season.

Pontypool secured their 'invincible' campaign by recording a 22nd win 27-20 at the Lewis Lloyd Ground in April, that after they had triumphed 29-0 on home soil.

Leighton Jones' side enjoyed a hard-fought 31-17 success against Rhydyfelin last weekend and the head coach tinkers with a winning side.

Wales 7s internationals Geraint Walsh and Lloyd Lewis return in the back three while Kieran Meek is back at inside centre with Matthew Jones pulling the strings from fly-half after starting at 15.

The pack is settled with just one change – experienced Brendan Lampitt replaces Cameron Watson-Boycott at number eight.

While Pooler are chasing promotion, Newbridge are battling the drop.

The Pigs changed their management team last week but didn't enjoy a change of fortune with Maesteg Quins winning 29-17 at the Welfare Ground.

Coaches Scott Williams and Kristian Gay take their side to Trebanos this afternoon, knowing a win could lift them out of the drop zone.

Pontypool: G Walsh, L Lewis, C Gullis, K Meek, J Thomas, M Jones, M Luckwell, A Coundley, A Watkins, O Drake, D Hodge, C Gregory, M Herbert, R Nash, B Lampitt. Replacements: R Nash, B Parry, S Matthews, A Quick, L Prothero.

Other Fixtures: Cardiff Met v Beddau, Maesteg Quins v Rhydyfelin, Newcastle Emlyn v Bedlinog, Ystrad Rhondda v Tata Steel