Conceding home advantage as one of the qualifying pool leaders with the least points accumulated, Ponty no doubt face a daunting task against the powerful Irish province. They also go into the tie on the back of a disappointing away defeat to Bridgend in the Welsh Premiership the previous Saturday.
The tag of underdog is securely attached to Pontypridd in this winner takes all encounter, but that will suit the mindset of the Valley Commandos admirably.
A week of training where psychology has been as important as skills or fitness, has progressed well for Pontypridd. Their hopes have also been boosted by a quick return to fitness of outside half Simon Humberstone and prop Ryan Harford, both having undergone scans which dispelled the fears of a broken nose and thumb respectively.
Also making a welcome comeback from injury are Blues Academy lock Cory Hill and prop Pat Palmer, both going straight into the starting line up.
Drafted into the back line are promising young full back Harley Thomson and winger Lewis Williams. Chris Phillips takes over the loose head prop berth with Stuart Williams out injured and Ken Knaggs serving a suspension.
Pontypridd 15.Harley Thomson. 14.Lewis I Williams. 13.Gavin Dacey. 12.Dafydd Lockyer. 11.Matthew Nuthall. 10.Simon Humberstone. 9.Rhys Downes; 1.Chris Phillips. 2.Huw Dowden. 3.Pat Palmer. 4.Cory Hill. 5.Ryan Savage. 6.Chris Dicomidis (capt) 7.Wayne O’Connor. 8.Dan Godfrey.
Replacements: Garyn Lucas; Gareth Wyatt; Gary Williams; Rhys Williams; Tom Hetherington; Jake Thomas; Ryan Harford.
Travelling reserves: Owen Williams; James Howe.
