Cup draw in profile

Konica Minolta Cup semi final draw – WRU press release:

Glamorgan Wanderers will meet Principality Premiership leaders Neath in the semi-finals of the Konica Minolta Cup on the weekend of April 26th/27th.

The Cardiff-based club beat Newport 29-12 in last weekend's quarter-final and that victory took them into the last four of the competition for the first time.

The other semi-final will see Aberavon take on Pontypridd, a game that will see Wizards Coach Simon King trying to plan the downfall of the club he twice took to the Cup final.

"We both know each other pretty well and we've each won one league game against each other this season," said King.

"There is a big prize available to whichever teams win the semi-finals and I know that all four squads of players will want to play at the venue they saw the Welsh players win the Grand Slam this season.

"Pontypridd have a great Cup tradition and it is going to be another very tough game for us. We played pretty well to beat Ebbw Vale 32-22 last weekend and it would be great to reach another Cup final."

King quit Sardis Road last season to switch to Aberavon, but he is still fondly remembered by the players at Pontypridd.

"Simon knows us inside out. He is still revered at the club and twice took us to the Cup final," said Pontypridd's Gavin Dacey.

"We have a massive Cup tradition at Pontypridd and our fans would love to have another big day out at the Millennium Stadium. Our league form has been disappointing this season and so winning the Cup is a massive target for us."

Wanderers Coach Richard Hodges was delighted with his side's quarter-final win over Newport and was pleased to have last season's Wales U19 skipper Sam Warburton back in harness after a lengthy injury.

"It was easily our best performance of the season and I'm not sure where it came from. But we know we'll have to reproduce that and more against Neath in the semi-final," said Hodges.

"They are the runaway leaders of the league and have already beaten us twice this season. But this is knock-out rugby and, as Llandovery showed in winning the title last season, every dog can have its day."

Neath skipper Lee Beech is looking to secure the Principality Premiership title before thinking about a league and cup double.

"It was a good result for us against Cross Keys in the quarter-final, but we know the Wanderers are a very good outfit and I'm sure they will step up again in the semi-final," said Beech.

"A few people have asked about Neath doing the double. If it happens, it happens. Hopefully, we can secure the league title first and then concentrate on the Cup." 

Aberavon v Pontypridd

Glamorgan Wanderers v Neath

Matches to be played on the weekend of April 26th/27th

Kick-off dates and times to be confirmed.

Neutral venues to be confirmed.