Principality Premiership and Swalec Cup winners Ponty gave the Exiles a torrid time when they met in the British & Irish Cup last season, when Burnell’s side were in the Championship.
Ponty won 29-22 at Sardis Road and then went down 26-23 at the Kassam Stadium. The Welsh side then won the Pool and went all the way to the semi-finals before losing on try count to eventual champions Leinster A in a 22-22 thriller.
“We know how good a team Ponty are. It will be a huge challenge and they’ll be out to take our scalp, especially having been promoted, and we’re going to have to be on top form,” admitted Burnell.
“It’s the last chance everyone’s got to put a marker down to be in the team against Exeter on the opening weekend. It’s also another opportunity to tweak things and try things, and improve on our skills, and to go in to the Premiership season on a high.”
Both teams will be looking to strike back after losses last weekend, Pontypridd going down 35-14 at Llandovery and London Welsh 38-24 against Wasps at Adams Park.
Exiles wing Nick Scott, who has twice helped the club gain promotion into the Premiership, can’t wait for another match-up with Ponty after last season’s B&I Cup classic clashes.
“I’m really looking forward to going back – the atmosphere down there last time was incredible,” added Scott.
“They’re a good team, especially at home. It will be another game where we can gage where we are at from last week, and really push on to Exeter.”
The game kicks-off at 2.30pm on Saturday at Sardis Road.
Burnell opts for Ponty pain for final warm-up
Justin Burnell has chosen ‘The House of Pain’ at Sardis Road on Saturday to give his London Welsh players their last chance to stake a claim for a place in the opening Aviva Premiership fixture against Exeter Chiefs.
