The full-time Welsh outfit, hotly tipped for a Super League licence in 2009, kicked off the year as one of the favourites for National League One.

This weekend's fixture is the first of two between the clubs in the space of eight days, with John Dixon's team due at the Shay for a Northern Rail Cup knockout tie the following Sunday.

And Larder, the star of Fax's 36-34 win at Dewsbury on Monday, admitted the long haul down to South Wales has long been earmarked as an important date in the club's diary.

"There are certain points in a season where you know you are going to get tested and this is certainly one of those weeks," said Larder.

"We are confident in our own ability and the result on Saturday isn't going to decide which way the season goes.

"Win or lose, we will believe we can do something this year.

"But they are touted as a team to watch, so I think everyone is looking forward to seeing how we measure up.

"Both sides will want to do well in the Northern Rail Cup as well, but this week's the league and it's important we come back with another three points."

Larder also emphasised the importance of registering an improved performance in the Principality, rather than relying on the blood and guts determination that saw Fax drag back a 10-point deficit against the Rams.

"We are not going to do much if we continue to play like that," said Larder.

"Having said that, we had two games in four or five days and that's a tough programme for everyone.

"It's a long season and we are not going to play well week in, week out.

"It's important that when things do start going wrong and we are not performing that we stick together and grind a win out.

"Because there are only 18 games you are straight behind the eight ball if you do not get a good start.

"Last year we did not get anything from Easter, and one of the main aims this year was to go to Celtic with two wins."