PONTYPOOL must cope without talisman back row forward Geraint Morris in tonight’s home encounter with Premiership leaders Neath, writes Chris Kirwan.

The blindside flanker came off in last weekend’s terrific 32-13 win against Cardiff after suffering a broken left arm. He went under the knife on Tuesday and will be out for the rest of the season.

“It’s a blow because Geraint has been one of our stand out performers,” said team manager Shaun Rees.

“He puts his body on the line every time he plays for us and is an inspirational captain, but it’s up to others to step up to the mark now.”

Pooler host a Neath side that suffered their sixth league defeat of the season to Newport at Rodney Parade last Sunday.

With a strong wind at their backs the Welsh All Blacks came back from 23-5 down at the break to 23-20 only to waste a number of late chances.

“They will be looking to bounce back after losing at Newport and they are a top quality side,” said Rees.

“It’s going to be a tough game but we are following on from one of our best performances of the season. We were excellent against Cardiff and we will need to keep that going this evening.”

Pooler make two changes to their starting line-up with Luke Dyckhoff replacing Morris and Ryan Owen slotting in for Gareth Williams on the wing.

Hong Kong international wing/centre Max Woodward is on the bench after a long lay-off following a cruciate knee ligament injury.

Pontypool: G O’Driscoll, R Budina, D Robinson, A Davies, R Owen, T Hancock, A Quick, J Jeune, R Prosser, N Blake, R Bowen, D Critchley, L Dyckhoff, C Attwell, J Thomas. Replacements: M Woodward, M Thomas, R Jones, T Organ, D Roberts, L Davies, H Gustafson.