Neath season preview

Neath were the most improved side in Wales last season, and that is taking into account Pontypridd's efforts in reaching the Parker Pen Shield final and winning the Principality Cup.

Lyn Jones has created a side in his own image - always competitive, with equal measures of steel and flair, and liable to catch you off-balance by doing something unexpected.

The extra funds available for qualifying for the Heineken Cup has allowed Jones to strengthen further, with Adrian Durston and Andy Newman pick of the crop.

Durston will provide added flair to the Neath backline, probably from fullback, and hopefully the Wales cap will play himself out of the rut he found himself in at Bridgend.

With influential veteran Gareth Llewellyn enjoying a benefit year, Newman - a former Heineken Cup winner with Northampton - will add extra power and experience to the second row mix.

Newman fell out of favour at Franklin's Gardens because of off-the-field problems but the 24-year-old will start with a clean sheet at the Gnoll, as will backrow Hywel Jenkins, who has had his own share of troubles away from rugby.

The only notable loss is wing Dean Dewdney, who proved a deadly finisher at the end of last season but has gone to Cardiff. However, if Shane Williams can ward off the injury jinx that plagued him last season then Neath will remain just as potent.

But with the added demands of the Heineken Cup, Neath could find that a lack of strength in depth lets them down come the second half of the season and Jones may have to rely on several of rising Neath Academy starlets to fill out the senior ranks.