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PREVIEW: RGC prepare to defend WRU National Cup crown

PREVIEW: RGC prepare to defend WRU National Cup crown

RGC 1404 head coach Mark Jones insists his players will not give up the WRU National Cup without a fight.

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The North Walians won the cup in thrilling fashion last season, beating Pontypridd in the final.

Jones’ side will kick-off the defence of their crown with a tough away fixture against fellow Premiership outfit Ebbw Vale on Saturday.

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“We pulled out the cup earlier in the week to remind the players of what it meant to win it,” said former Scarlets and Wales winger Jones.

“We worked really hard last season to win the cup so we don’t want to give it up without a fight.

“Playing at Principality Stadium and winning last season did so much for us as a club and for North Walian rugby on the whole.

“Doing well in the cup is still a massive incentive for all the clubs because ultimately you are three games away from playing in a final and having an opportunity to win silverware as we did last season.

“We are doing very well in the league, but we will prioritise both competitions. We haven’t got the biggest squad in the Premiership so it is going to be very difficult, but I am confident we can do well in both competitions.

“Ebbw Vale are going to be a tough side to break down. They have a very physical pack and are good at the breakdown, while they have one of the best kicking games in the Premiership so we will have to be at the top of our game to get a result.”

Elsewhere, Pontypridd travel to Cross Keys in a repeat of last season’s semi-final, while Aberavon face Skewen in a local derby.

Newcastle Emlyn, who are eighth in the Championship, host Premiership champions Merthyr in one of the ties of the round.

Flanker Alex Williams, brother of Scarlets and Wales centre Scott Williams, will captain Emlyn.

“It’s going to be a very tough game, there’s no doubt about that,” said Newcastle Emlyn head coach Marc Lloyd.

“Our main priority this season is staying in the Championship so I have told the boys to just go out there and enjoy the occasion.

“Training has been more relaxed this week and we’ve been able to enjoy ourselves a bit more without the pressure of a league game.

“Merthyr are the best semi-professional side in Wales and they have a large number of former regional players. We know we will have to be at the top of our game or we will get blown away.

“We aren’t looking past the first 20 minutes of the game because there is a huge gulf between the Championship and the Premiership and it is about staying in the game.

“We are expecting a crowd of about 500 and hopefully we can give a good account of ourselves.”

Another all Premiership clash sees Swansea face Newport at St Helen’s, while Bargoed face Trebanos.

WRU National Cup fixtures (January 6, all kick-offs 2.30pm)

Aberavon v Skewen
Bargoed v Trebanos
Cross Keys v Pontypridd
Ebbw Vale v RGC 1404
Glynneath v Bridgend
Narberth v Bedwas
Neath v Cardiff
Newcastle Emlyn v Merthyr
Pontypool v Tata Steel
Rhydyfelin v Newbridge
Swansea v Newport
Cardiff Met RFC v Llanelli (January 7, kick-off 2.45pm)

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