Newport Ring The Changes For Swansea

Newport skipper Simon Raiwalui has pledged his side “will come back stronger” in the wake of their midweek mauling by Neath when they face Swansea at St Helen’s on Saturday night.
Raiwalui’s side lost out on the chance to go back to the top of the Welsh/Scottish League at Rodney Parade on Wednesday night when Neath beat them 36-20.
“It is up to the players now. We will respond on Saturday,” said Raiwalui.
“I think we all thought we were a little bit better than we are before we faced Neath.
“But we are a strong team and we have got good character. We will come back stronger.”
Newport coach Ian McIntosh has made eight changes to his side for the trip
to Swansea.
With Shane Howarth and Ofisa Tonu’u ruled out through injury, Wales Under
21 cap Llyr Lane and Wales A international Jason Strange will team up at half-back.
Other changes behind the scrum see Wales Sevens star Emyr Lewis take over
from Matt Pini at full back and Matthew Watkins move from wing to centre in
place of Jon Pritchard. Ben Breeze fills the gap made by Watkins’ move.
There is a new front row line up with Ceri Jones, Paul Young and Chris
Anthony taking over from Rod Snow, James Richards and Adrian Garvey.
It will be the first time Wales tight head prop Anthony has returned to St
Helen’s since helping the All Whites win the Welsh/Scottish League title
last season.
NEWPORT: Emyr Lewis; Matt Mostyn, Andy Marinos, Matthew Watkins, Ben
Breeze; Jason Strange, Llyr Lane; Ceri Jones, Paul Young, Chris Anthony,
Simon Raiwalui (captain), Ian Gough, Peter Buxton, Jason Forster, Andy
Powell.
Replacements: Adrian Garvey, James Richards, Rod Snow, Mike Voyle, Jon
Pritchard, Matt Pini.