Newport go into this game knowing that a win would be a huge step forward in the bid to reach the league play-offs. Saturday’s victory over a very strong Merthyr outfit puts them in a perfect position to climb above Aberavon and Ebbw Vale and get into the top four if they can get another “W”. With games coming thick and fast and players picking up knocks the coaches will make full use of the squad.
Bridgend Ravens are a good side and have put some fine wins together including a 47 – 12 victory over Llanelli at Parc y Scarlets. They certainly played some excellent rugby when beating us earlier in the season. They are not going to roll over and we should expect a tough encounter.
Tom Workman starts at loose-head while Jon Morris comes straight in to his usual wing position after missing a few games due to injury. Matt O’Brien is at ten as he continues a very busy period. There’s a debut for second row, Barney Langton and a possible debut off the bench for prop, Conall Couch.
Newport: Tom Workman, James Benjamin, Dan Suter, Barney Langton, Craig Hudd, Lennon Greggains, Josh Reid, Ben Roach, Che Hope, Matt O’Brien Captain, Elliot Frewen, Harri Ackerman, Chay Foster-Smith, Jon Morris, Geraint O’Driscoll.
Replacements: Henry Palmer, Thomas Davies, Conall Couch, John Verrier, Kyle Tayler, Dafydd Buckland, Matt Buckland, Jacob Lloyd.
Referee: Tom Spurrier
AR1: John Darcy
AR2: Stuart Kibble
Kick-off: 7:30
Venue: Newport Stadium