Pontypridd captain Neil Jenkins yesterday warned Heineken Cup holders Brive: "We won't back down, whatever you throw at us." The injury-ravaged Welsh champions return to southern France with everything stacked against them - even the French legal system that this week sidelined key trio Dale McIntosh, Phil John and Andre Barnard.
Pontypridd hardly required extra motivation for the Parc Municipal des Sports quarter-final play-off but examining magistrate Brigitte Lesueur's ruling caused consternation at Sardis Road.
Her claims that the three players' presence could spark on and off pitch violence left Pontypridd officials stunned in disbelief.
A trip to English champions Wasps is the prize, and British Lion Jenkins firmly believes Brive can be toppled.
Jenkins warns though that Pontypridd will not take the proverbial step backwards should Brive decide on adopting intimidatory tactics.
"We don't want any trouble. But we will not back down, and if they come out to intimidate us then we are going to stick up for ourselves."
Pontypridd are missing injured backs Kevin Morgan and David Manley while centre Steele Lewis, wing Gareth Wyatt and lock Stuart Roy are all serious fitness concerns, leaving coach Dennis John with no option but to delay selection until today.
Cardiff and Llanelli contemplate a likely sell-out Arms Park clash, with a quarter-final trip to Bath in store.
Leicester should complete a trio of home wins against Glasgow at Welford Road, booking their quarterfinal journey to French club Pau tomorrow week.
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