Neath look for morale boosting win
Neath
January 12, 2000

Neath are aiming to finish their European campaign on a high on Saturday when they face group winners Northampton at Franklin Gardens - and a win for the Welsh all blacks could also secure an extra place for Welsh clubs next season.
If Neath do come a way with a win Cardiff will have a better chance of securing a home draw in the quarter-finals thus allowing an extra Welsh side into the competition next season.
Cardiff would still need to beat Harlequins at The Stoop on Sunday to book a last-eight match at the Arms Park, but if Neath lose it would be Northampton who play in front of their own supporters when the competition resumes in April.
It would be ironic Neath were to help Cardiff in Europe as the sides have not enjoyed the best of relationships in recent years. Last year Neath coach Lynn Jones described the capital side as 'chequebook Charlie's', with Terry Holmes, then the Cardiff coach, responding by claiming: "All Neath have ever done in Europe is catch the plane."
Jones sees Saturday's game as the chance to restore some pride in their Euro campaign, and give a morale boosting lift for the remainder of the Celtic league season.
"There was not a lot between ourselves and Northampton earlier in the competition, and with home advantage we are looking forward to playing them again. A good result would enable us to walk off the field with heads held high," he said.
However they are likely to be without International flanker Brett Sinkinson, who suffered a knee injury against Edinburgh last weekend. Richard Francis is on stand by should Sinkinson pull out.

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