Capital cup test for Pontypool RFC in last 16

Leighton Jones and his runaway Championship leaders face the seven-time winners at the Arms Park on Saturday, February 18.

The match gives Pooler the chance to claim another Principality Premiership scalp, having already beaten Llanelli 19-11 in round one last weekend.

Before today’s draw, Pontypool promised free entry to their next cup tie had they been given a home fixture.

Reacting to being paired with the Blue and Blacks, Pooler skipper Ben Parry said: “It’s great to get Cardiff away.

“We will prepare well again as we did last week and hope to pull off another scalp against a Premiership side.

“We have to beat these sides if we want to get back to the Premiership and we will certainly be up for the challenge.

“Both clubs have great history and hopefully we will be able to create some more history by making it through to the last eight.

“I expect both sides to have a good forward platform and also look to play some expansive rugby, especially on the artificial surface.

“Our forwards are as fit as any in the Premiership so we have nothing to fear there. We just need to focus on our own game and play in the right areas.”

Meanwhile, Ebbw Vale’s reward for thrashing Skewen is a potentially tricky tie at Beddau, who are currently fourth in the Championship.

Newport, narrow winners over Swansea in the first round, are also on the road in the next stage of the competition when they go to Sardis Road to face Pontypridd.

There is home advantage for both Cross Keys and Bedwas as they entertain Neath and Merthyr respectively, while Bargoed travel to cup holders Llandovery.

Elsewhere, 2016 runners-up Carmarthen Quins are away to Narberth and Bridgend host RGC 1404 at the Brewery Field.

WRU National Cup round two draw:

Narberth v Carmarthen Quins

Pontypridd v Newport

Bedwas v Merthyr

Bridgend v RGC 1404

Cardiff v Pontypool

Cross Keys v Neath

Beddau v Ebbw Vale

Llandovery v Bargoed

Ties to be played on Saturday, February 18.