NEWPORT coach David Rees is happy that his Welsh Premier Division champions are back at the top of the table with a 100% record after four games, but he'll be even happier if they remain there following the next four.

Three of their first four games were away and after tomorrow's visit of Bridgend, the next three are also away, against former clubs Newbridge and Cross Keys with Llanelli in between.

"I have been happy with the start of the season in terms of results," said Rees this week, "but far from happy in terms of performance, but with a new squad we are getting there.

"We are continuing to work hard and we had an extra training session this week as we are looking to improve with every game.

"We have another huge period coming up with three more away games and if we come out at the end of that in the position we are in now, it will set us up for a good season."

Asked if he now knew his best team, Rees answered: "the team which wins each game.

"You can't play the same 15 men in three successive games in eight days and if you have a squad of 25 it's silly to do so anyway.

"I am comfortable in that I believe I know the best team to face Neath though I know that it will be a different team than the team I think can beat Bridgend on Saturday, for instance.

"You have to pick your team according to your opposition and different players will be employed against younger opponents than against an experienced side or against a forward-orientated team as opposed to a team who play expansive rugby.

"I am confident I know what team to field against any particular team."

Rees expects a strong challenge at Rodney Parade on Saturday from a Bridgend team he believes should still be unbeaten.

"They slipped up by making too many changes against Llanharan and on past evidence they can blow a bit hot and cold, but they will come with a young side and play expansive rugby while they have a quality back row, so it will be another challenge."

Because he has been included in the Newport Gwent Dragons squad in Glasgow tonight, flanker Sam Waldron won't start tomorrow, but powerful former Cross Keys scrum half James Ireland will make his club debut.

Newport: R Williams, G Chapman, R Shorney, R Payne, A McLaughlan/W Kershaw-Naylor, D Griffiths, J Ireland, I Evans, K Crawford, G Robinson, D Davies, N Edwards, N Kelly (captain), P Williams, R Jones. Replacements (from) S Cronk, D Pattison, M Popham, S Waldron, C Thomas, A McLaughlan, W Kershaw-Naylor, T Walsh, B Shelbourne. Kick-off 2.30pm.