Spy in the Camp - Aberavon

The second brace of B&I cup fixtures sees Albion take on Aberavon in back to back games. The question is - Will Nat Saumi take the option to rest players, or will he look to get the team back on a winning track? Other sides have utilised the previous B&I spell to kick start their league season and this could be an opportunity for Albion to do the same. 

V

Aberavon v Plymouth

Saturday 8th December

KO 2:30pm

The British and Irish cup reconvenes with Albion making their way deep into Wales to take on the Wizards of Aberavon.

Usually in placed in the higher reaches of the Welsh Premiership, Aberavon are going through a rebuilding phase and are struggling in their league with one win and one draw from 11 and like Albion are also winless in the B&I cup.

The Wizards boast Former Albion player Darren Ritchie amongst their squad but as he has yet to feature this season it is unlikely that we’ll see Darren in a playing capacity this weekend.

Historically, Aberavon have favoured a heavy pack, and whilst not the force it once was, it is sure to feature strongly in their game plan. This will not preclude some flowing rugby which has allowed the back line to open up the opposition. Aberavon though, have a tendancy to fade towards the 80 minute mark and have allowed games to run away from them.

Top try scorer is full back Jonathan Phillips with 4 from the teams 18, whilst shipping 29 tries against.

They have also incurred the referees' wrath gaining yellow cards on 10 occasions – with 6 being against the Loosehead Prop suggesting that this may be a weak point that Albion can exploit.

One to watch – scrum half Joe Heatley. 

Weather forecast - Sunny intervals but slightly chilly at 7°C with a light breeze.  

Prediction - a win for Albion 19-25. 

Wizard image from http://www.aberavonwizards.co.uk - a good site well worth a visit.