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Saturday’s floor to ceiling rugby means oval ball enthusiasts have a fantastic day in store. No less than six internationals take place at all the major northern hemisphere venues.

For rugby supporters who find cheering on local clubs equally as satisfying; enjoyable and infinitely more affordable, a massive match is scheduled at South Parade.

A single point separates Maesteg Quins and Ystalyfera at the summit of the Division One table. It’s these two teams who meet at 1.30pm on Saturday.                    

Ystalyfera are a team who have a core of players who have been together for some time. Steadily growing in experience and with a number of new faces, their rise to the top of the league comes as no surprise.

Last season at South Parade, a tricky wind prevented the Quins from taking the penalty opportunities handed to them by the visitors. Ystalyfera used every inch of field to launch attacks and led at half-time, before the Quins embarked on a mini-scoring spree to a win [33-19]. In the end the Maesteg men took every try scoring chance they created.

At Ynysdarren the usual supreme defensive effort was required. An excellent pack performance was complimented by an accomplished half-back display from Geraint Watkins and Lee Ronan at outside-half. The former scored a fifty yards try to give the Quins a more comfortable cushion. The positive outcome was underpinned by Geraint Evans, whose immaculate kicking performance accrued a personal haul of sixteen points [2C 4PG] and answered the Quins’ SOS for a goal-kicker.

Throughout 2016-17 the Swansea valley outfit were playing on two fronts, because a magnificent WRU Plate run took them all the way to the Principality Stadium and a dramatic final. Down to fourteen they fought tooth and nail [no surprise there] and led 16-11 as the time ebbed away. All neutrals were willing 'Fera on, until Penallta struck in the corner with a score levelling try. Althouh the conversion failed and at full-time the score was 16-all, the Pitmen's two tries eclipsed Ystalyfera's single touchdown and it was they who lifted the Plate.

Falling behind in their league programme led to Ystalyera competing in several faux relegation contests for a sizeable portion of their season. Struggling Cwmllynfell took up one of the drop spots at a very early stage, but for a while ‘Fera were battling to stave off relegation with Kenfig Hill and Builth Wells.

The feel-good factor of the cup run obviously boosted Ystalyfera’s confidence levels and aided their recruitment, with a few star performers joining or returning to their home club.

The Ynysdarren team arrive at South Parade in fine fettle, in second place and invincible. Of their seven league games to date, they have won six and drawn one.

Quins know the traditional Ystalyfera challenge. Behind they like to be creative and catch teams napping. Their pack is a more than competent unit, capable of being destructive and frustrating with their pick ups and drives.

Always keen to compete and never be overrun, Ystalyfera are competitive whenever they take the field, whatever their league standing. Saturday will be no exception, as they look to relieve the Quins of their position at the top of the table and enjoy their beers while watching Wales substantially more.

As a result of numerous contests over the years, Ystalyfera know what the Quins and South Parade have to offer. They will know the Quins also want to enjoy their international beers and keen to hold on to the top spot.

The Quins are also well aware of what 'Fera can do, but don't think this will be a game where familiarity breeds boredom a la top class rugby. Both teams like to pull a rabbit out of the hat.

Both teams know they have their work cut out. The anticipation has been building since victory was secured at the Brewery Field last week and the excitement is tangible.

Everyone is eager to don the shirt and play yet another huge game. Quins supporters will be at South Parade in numbers. Ystalyfera will also bring a following. For those who like to leave their armchairs and support the game, this is a match well worth watching.

There’s a lot at stake, two talented teams will be slugging it out and it promises to be an excellent curtain raiser for the international to come.

Who will fall in the major games this Saturday? It's a fair bet every supporter of Maesteg Quins and Ystalyfera want a Wales win over the Wallabies, but there will be huge differences of allegiance when it comes to the two clubs. Who will lose their unbeaten record? Unless you want to bet on a draw of course.

This game really is one to watch.