Newport supporters always look forward to the next game but when the opponents are our friends from down the road, then our excitement level reaches the top of the scale. It is so fitting that the teams meet at Rodney Parade where these rivals have met many times and supporters have seen many great performances by famous players. This is one of the most famous club rivalries, definitely in Wales, certainly in the UK, and possibly in the world. A game at the Arms Park between these clubs once held the world attendance record for a club game. We won’t set any attendance records on Saturday but the excitement and passion will be there.
Cardiff are having a good season, lying fourth in the table and looking set for a place in the league play-offs. With Newport on a run of eight bonus point victories, the Blue & Blacks will need no more motivation than the thought of bringing that run to an end.
The coaches make only two changes to the starting fifteen against Pontypridd with Thomas Davies coming in at loose-head prop and Che Hope taking the scrum half position.
Newport: Thomas Davies, Henry Palmer, Nathan Evans, Rynard Landman, Josh Skinner, Rhys Jenkins, Josh Reid, Ben Roach Captain, Che Hope, Matt O’Brien, Lloyd Lewis, Chay Foster-Smith, Jon Morris, Elliot Frewen, Jac Lloyd.
Replacements: Wade Langley, Tom Workman, Garin Harris, Elliot Ferriman, Kyle Tayler, Luke Crane, Carwyn Penny, Iestyn Galton.
Referee: Keith David
AR1: Elfin Morris Roberts
AR2: David Cambourne
Kick-off: 2:30
Venue: Rodney Parade
PLEASE NOTE: All bars at Rodney Parade are cashless. You will need a credit card or debit card to purchase a drink.