The Black and Ambers have not won in their last five and haven’t crossed the white wash in three matches so they will be hoping 2013 brings an improvement in form.
Not so long ago, Newport won five matches on the trot and then put in an excellent performance at Rodney Parade against Newcastle Falcons in the British & Irish Cup. But things have worsened since then and their only recent positive result was a low-scoring draw with Cardiff before Christmas.
Things can only get better for them but Saturday’s opposition is provided by the Drovers who are having their best ever Premiership season and have already beaten the Black & Ambers at Llandovery.
They will be looking to secure the double for the second season running though Newport still lead the head-to-head record with 12 league wins to the Drovers seven.
Newport are still suffering with a number of injury problems but are able to welcome back Ross Coombs who has recovered from a knee operation. The Black & Ambers also have the services of old favourite Mike Poole (48 tries from 104 appearances) and Phil Sargent. (on permit from Bedwas)
Llandovery have fallen to fourth, their 12-3 slip up to Carmarthen Quins the shock result of the Christmas period.
They will be desperate to bounce back on Saturday as they look to get back towards the top of the table.
Meanwhile, the recent wet weather has claimed its first victim of 2013 with Cardiff’s trip to Swansea postponed due to the weather.
