PONTYPOOL boss Leighton Jones believes their WRU National Cup semi-final against holders Merthyr will provide proof of their progress in a vital year, writes Chris Kirwan.

Pooler earned a place in the last four with a 21-11 home win in extra time against Bridgend last weekend and their reward is a clash with the Ironmen next weekend.

Merthyr won the double last season – beating Jones' men 21-6 at the Wern in the quarters of the cup – and are currently leading the way in the Premiership.

Pontypool have beaten Cross Keys and the Ravens to make it to the semi-finals for the first time since 1991, but the Ironmen are a step up in class.

That is something that head coach Jones welcomes as they build towards the vital promotion/relegation play-off in mid-May for a place in next season's Premiership.

South Wales Argus:

"We knew that the semi-final was going to be a big ask because Merthyr, Cardiff and Llandovery are all top Premiership teams," said the former hooker.

"We will be going up against Wales' best team in Merthyr but we are 12 months down the line from the last time we played them and this gives us the chance to assess our progress.

"Merthyr have quality across the park with a really good pack, a tough defence and experience throughout the side. It's a big challenge, a game that will help us judge where we are at and we will look forward to that."

Pooler return to Championship action when they head to Cardiff Met on Saturday in a game that could see them secure a hat-trick of titles.

Narberth are the only side with a mathematical chance of denying them top spot and if they win with a bonus point at Tata Steel then Jones & Co will have to wait to seal the deal.

However, Pooler are certain to win the title and everything is building towards the key play-off clash, which looks likely to be against either Bridgend or Bedwas, with Keys and Llanelli in need of a great escape.

"We are playing every Saturday now and that's great for us," said Jones, after Pooler rearranged fixtures to give themselves a build-up to the showdown.

"We are building towards that and the win against Bridgend has given us a big boost.

"We can take confidence from beating another Premiership side and from playing against a different style and speed of rugby than we are used to in the Championship.

"Last weekend was brilliant for the boys but also for the whole town – everyone is talking about it and is on a high. Hopefully we can keep them on board for the semi-final."