The Black & Ambers travel to The Wern to face a Merthyr team positioned 4th in the league with games in hand over the teams above them. Knocked out of the cup when all three sides in their group had a record of, played one-lost won, but Cardiff go through after gaining a losing bonus point. So they have a lot to prove and will be very difficult opponents on Saturday. Newport played them three times last season, winning the first two but losing the third after injuries took their toll.
Newport are on a winning run at the moment but this game will be a real test for the squad. Merthyr have a strong pack and some speedy and elusive backs and have only been beaten twice in the league.
There are two changes to the starting line-up with Ryan Woodman and Jon Morris coming in and Elliot Frewen moving to full-back.
Newport: Thomas Davies, Henry Palmer, Garin Haris, Craig Hudd, Ryan Woodman, Rhys Jenkins, Kyle Tayler, Ben Roach, Luke Crane, Geraint O’Driscoll, Oli Andrew, Harri Ackerman, Chay Foster-Smith, Jon Morris, Elliot Frewen.
Replacements: Jack Gillard, Josh Reynolds, Dan Suter, Dan Hill, George Young, Lennon Greggains, Dafydd Buckland, Cameron Lewis.
Referee: Jason Bessant
AR1: Gwyn Morris
AR2: Gavin Roberts
Kick-off: 2:30pm