THE AIM of new laws may be an attempt to spark more expansive rugby but Cross Keys fly-half Ethan Davies expects to be under orders to play to the corners in the coming season, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Pandy Park outfit get their Principality Premiership campaign under way at Llandovery on Saturday (kick-off 1.30pm) with tries now rewarded with six points while penalties and drop goals have been downgraded to two.

That will lead to the territorial battle becoming vital and teams with strong packs could well look to put the squeeze on in the tight to earn eight-pointers as opposed to banging over two.

Former Wales Under-20s fly-half Davies said: "It will be strange to start with under the new laws and I'm a bit gutted to be losing a point a kick!

"It'll affect the game plan and as a fly-half I expect I'll be asked to kick to the corners a bit more. We've got a strong pack and will try to use it.

"I know they are trying to speed the game up but I think a lot will be about playing for territory and getting the driving game going."

Keys are being tipped by many to be champions Pontypridd's main challengers for the title after a summer recruitment drive that has included number eight Ieuan Jones and scrum-half Richie Rees, who were playing professional rugby last season.

The men from Pandy Park lost the final at Sardis Road in 2014 and were beaten by Gwent rivals Ebbw Vale in the semi-finals last season so are determined to add a piece of silverware to their 2012 Swalec Cup triumph.

"We've had a good pre-season and are ready to go this weekend after the hard work," said Davies.

"It's going to be a good first test against the Drovers, who are a strong side and will look to run us about a bit.

"Hopefully we'll get off to a good start because we are determined to go a step further after making the play-offs in the last two years."