PONTYPOOL aim to prove their Principality Premiership pedigree by claiming another top-flight scalp when they host Bridgend in the quarter-finals of the WRU National Cup tomorrow (kick-off 2.30pm).

Pooler are set to win a hat-trick of WRU National Championship titles and this season top spot carries the prize of a play-off for a place in the revamped 12-team Premiership.

That clash will be against the team that finishes fifth from bottom in the top tier, a place currently occupied by tomorrow's visitors to Pontypool Park.

Leighton Jones’ men have already claimed the scalps of Llanelli, Cardiff, Carmarthen Quins and Cross Keys in cup rugby over the last two seasons and prop/hooker Jamie Jeune wants Pooler to grasp the opportunity to prove their quality.

“From the squad’s point of view, the players and coaches are well aware of the magnitude of the game,” said the front rower, who is four games short of his 250th for the club.

“We have taken a number of Principality Premiership scalps over the last couple of years, but we have never progressed beyond the quarter-final stage as a group.

“We want to continue to prove ourselves against the best teams in the country and show that we belong in that company.”

Bridgend are involved in a relegation tussle at the bottom of the Premiership but have been in good form since beating Newbridge 21-0 at the Welfare Ground in the last round of the cup.

The Ravens, who are coached by former Pooler favourite Matt Silva, have won three of their last five in the league with successes against Llandovery, Carmarthen Quins and Bargoed, while they lost with consolation bonuses to champions Merthyr and Newport.

Pooler may be on a 41-game winning streak in the Championship but know Bridgend present a formidable challenge.

“We know our all-round game has to be on the money if we’re to get the result,” said player/coach Matthew Jones.

“Historically, Pontypool’s strength has always been up front. We’ve still got the strength, but we’ve developed an all-round game.

“We’re expecting a battle around the park. Warren Gatland mentioned that Wales have forgotten how to lose and it’s a similar situation with us.

“We’re winning but it hasn’t all been plain sailing as our results might suggest.

"Outsiders might look at us and think Pontypool are walking that league, but we do get tough games and there are times when we are tested.

“We’ve beaten some big sides in the cup over the last few seasons. It’s a good test for us to get ready for the play-off – it’s a big game for us for so many reasons.”

The other quarter-finals pit Merthyr against Pontypridd, Swansea head to Llandovery and Bedwas travel to the capital to face Cardiff.

Entry to Pooler’s game is free for under-16s and £5 for adults.