PONTYPOOL boss Leighton Jones has called on his Championship high-flyers to prove how good they are by causing a WRU National Cup upset at Llanelli tomorrow.

Pooler are romping to the title thanks to 16 league wins from 16 but are not able to win promotion to the Principality Premiership until ring-fencing ends in 2020.

That means they have to settle for making a point in knockout rugby with this weekend’s trip to Parc y Scarlets (kick-off 3pm) presenting a golden opportunity in front of the S4C cameras.

Pontypool are in year one of a rebuilding process after missing out on promotion to the top flight and head coach Jones wants them to show how far they have come in a short space of time.

“It’s a big game and this is a different type of pressure,” said the former hooker. “In the league everyone wants to be the first team to beat us and in this game we want to show what we are about and have a crack.

“We will need a different mentality and attitude because Llanelli are in the league that we want to be in and I think they are favourites, although I’m not sure that’s the general feeling.

“This is an opportunity to see where we are in terms of standards and it’s a great chance for our team to show how good they are.

“It’s going to be a great test and a fantastic experience with the game on television and at a nice stadium that is different to the grounds that we are used to.

“That’s a great incentive for us and the players are excited by the challenge. If we play to the best of our ability and everyone is on the money then there’s no reason why we can’t get the win.”

Pooler were denied the chance to record a 17th straight win when last week’s home game with Tata Steel was postponed.

This weekend’s change of competition doesn’t mean a change of tact for Premiership opposition, according to Jones, whose side have scored 81 tries in 16 games.

Jones said: “This game may be a different style to what we are used to but we are honestly just focusing on ourselves, let’s see if they combat what we’ve got.

“Llanelli are renowned for playing an expansive style but we can play some nice rugby ourselves and are not just about forward power.

“We will look to be as physical and confrontational as we can but we have also been looking sharp and have some backs that can do some damage.”

Llanelli will be in Tier Two of the Premiership after winning six of 15 games to finish 11th when the controversial January split took place.

The sides last met in April, 2012 when the west Walians triumphed 45-18 in Gwent.

Pooler’s last win came in a home thriller in 2011 when taking the spoils 46-40 thanks to tries by Craig Attwell (2), Nick Wakley, Sam Pailor, Dom Franchi and Geraint O’Driscoll.