The Gnoll outfit are improving every game and their new recruits are starting to settle in with the team now looking more consistent.
The Newport players are enjoying competing at the top end of the league and will make every effort to consolidate their position on Saturday. A bonus point win away against a very good Llanelli side last week has further boosted confidence and there is now real competition for places in the starting fifteen and on the replacements bench.
Influential outside-half Arwel Robson misses this game due to injury and Julian Mogg will seize this chance playing outside Owen Davies who starts at 9. Paul King starts at inside centre with Haydn Palmer alongside him. In the pack Rhys Jenkins is chosen at 7 with Joe Cullimore on the bench. One change in the front five sees hooker Evan Whitson replaces Henry Palmer. With this being the last league game before Christmas a win would see Newport in the top two over the holiday period.
Newport Team v Neath:
Llywarch app Myrddin, Wes Cunliffe, Haydn Palmer, Paul King, Elliot Frewen, Julian Mogg, Owen Davies, Brendan Lampitt, Rhys Jenkins, Rhodri Jones, Dan Partridge, Adam Brown, Alex Jeffries, Evan Whitson, John Lavender.
Replacements: Henry Palmer, James Greenfield, Tom Piper, Bryce Morgan, Joe Cullimore, Ryan James, Ed Howley, John Morris.
