THERE will be a few fresh faces in Ebbw Vale's team to face Neath in Principality Cup round seven as Irish fly-half Mark Meenan and ex-Newport scrum-half Llyr Lane are given their chance on Saturday (2.30pm).
Meenan, 21, is a former Irish Schools international who has been signed from Bedford. With Scott Mitchell still suffering with a groin injury, Meenan is preferred to Gareth Cull who reverts to the wing. With Kevin Ellis recovering from a hip injury and Gareth Betts out with a long-term knee problem, Vale are down to their third choice half-backs.
But they have proved their worth in recent games and have done enough to convince coach Mike Ruddock they are ready to face Neath for a place in the last eight.
Ruddock said: "Mark has been highly recommended to us, he's a good, skillful player who links well and we wanted an out-and-out stand-off in the side."
Ockert Booyse replaces second row Chay Billen, who will be on the bench after illness while Tyrone Morris will take over at open-side flanker for the injured Paul Williams. Wing Andrew Wagstaff (knee) is doubtful.
Ebbw Vale (v Neath): M James, G Cull, R Shorney, P Matthews, A Wagstaff/A Takarangi, M Meenan, L Lane, I Thomas, L Phillips, M Jones, O Booyse, N Edwards, K Tuipilotu, W Thomas, T Morris. Reps: D Weatherley, A Wagstaff/A Takarangi, K Ellis/R Bevan, D Penisini, J Evans, C Billen, R Williams
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article