Newport will be keen to play some rugby following their enforced lay-off due to sickness. It’s an important game on Friday as a win will see them pull away from the bottom end of the table while a loss will put them into the danger zone.
Ebbw Vale arrive at Rodney Parade on the back of two good results, a draw away to Llandovery and a win at home to Pontypridd. The Eugene Cross Park outfit always raise their game against the Black and Ambers and they will be boosted by the return of Rhys Jones along with several other signings. It is a vital game for both sides and will sure to be a hard-fought contest.
The home side will be hoping for some fine weather and a firm pitch so they can fully utilise their pacey back three. Several injuries were picked up in the last game and there will be some fitness checks before the team is selected at Thursday’s training session.
Former player Rhodri Jones makes a very welcome return as a replacement. Geraint O’Driscoll moves into his more familiar place at full-back and Tom Pascoe returns after injury.
Newport: Lewis Smout, Matt Dwyer, Garin Harris, Andrew Mann, Joe Bartlett, Morgan Burgess, Josh Reid, Rhys Jenkins Capt., Luke Crane, Matt O’Brien, Elliot Frewen, Tom Pascoe, Jon Morris, Harri Lanh, Geraint O’Driscoll.
Replacements: Dan Preece, Jamie Jeune, Louis Jones, Rhodri Jones, Kyle Tayler, Geraint Watkin, Haydn Simons, Ryan Gardner.
Referee: Aled Evans
AR1: Aled Liddington
AR2: Mark Butcher
Kick-off: 7:30 PM