Cup quartet out to push premier role.

THERE may be plenty of rivalries on show at the Swalec Cup semi-finals today but one thing unites all four teams - promoting the Welsh Premiership.

With Swansea taking on Neath and Aberavon against Llanelli, west Wales bragging rights will be the order of the day during this afternoon's double header at the Liberty Stadium.

And that's before you even contemplate the reward of a trip to the Millennium Stadium for next month's final.

But, aside from their personal gains, all four teams will have a collective goal when they step out in front of the television cameras later today.

After seeing both attendances and the profile of their game plummet since the move to a semi-pro structure, they are all desperate to show fans just how high a standard they compete at.

"It's an important day for rugby at this level," declared Neath's Director of Rugby Rowland Phillips.

"It's our chance to show how high the standard of Premiership rugby is.

"We have seen with games throughout the season that the standard of rugby is right up there.

"There's good players on display and the majority of Premiership teams have a very positive approach.

Llanelli skipper Craig Hawkins continued: "There's not much between the teams and I don't think there is a favourite in either of these games.

"Some top players have come through this league and it plays a big part in Welsh rugby."