The Wizards have been preparing well for the new season with head coach Simon King understandably happy following British & Irish Cup play-off wins over Swansea and Bridgend.
Swansea were beaten 15-8 in the first regional play-off at the Talbot Athletic Ground before the Ravens were downed 35-26 as Aberavon progressed to the pool stages.
While Aberavon have enjoyed a superb pre-season, Newport were beaten comfortably by Cross Keys.
The Black and Ambers are boosted though by the return of Lee Beach – the former Wales Sevens skipper leading his new side from No. 8.
“I’m excited to see where the standard is from the time I left,” said Beach, who has joined from London Welsh.
“There are a lot of new faces and players in Newport. Pre-season gone well and when we all gel together as a squad we’ll do alright.
“Consistency is key in this league. We’ve got some good young players and now we’ve got to implement them into a clear game plan.
“I had four years in London Welsh playing with some great players and if I can pass on that experience it will be great. I’m looking forward to the experience.”
Aberavon: 15 Paul Bamsey 14 Mike Powell 13 Will Price 12 Mathew Jenkins 11 Stef Andrews
10 Jamie Davies 9 Chris Morgan, 1 Rowan Jenkins 2 Ieuan Davies 3 Andrew Clatworthy 4 Gavin Ronan 5 Ian Moore 6 Lee Purnell 7 Nathan Brown 8 Ben Thomas.
Replacements: Dan Davies, Aaron Jones, Richard Thomas, Evan Yardley, Chris Davies, Sam Williams, Neil White, Anthony Edwards.
Newport: 15 Geraint O”Driscoll 14 Elliott Frewen 13 Daniel Robinson 12 Dominic Franchi 11 Owen Broad 10 Ethan Davies 9 Andrew Quick, 1 Nathan William 2 Andrew Brown 3 Alex Jeffries 4 Dafydd Rosser 5 Adam Brown 6 Ieuan Jones 7 Samuel Waldron 8 Lee Beach.
Replacements: Adam Frampton, Gethin Robinson, David James Pattison, Dale Rogers, Thomas Elias, James Leadbeater, Brendan Lampitt.
