Newport cautious as Vale looms

Jones returns to his former stamping ground warning Newport what to expect, regardless of any planned merger for next season.

"Teams underestimate what a well-drilled squad Ebbw Vale are and have paid the price," he said.

"I appreciate more than most what it's like at Ebbw Vale for a 5.30pm kick off on a Saturday evening. We have worked hard all week to make sure the Newport players are in the right frame of mind.

"I have told them Ebbw Vale are a good side who have had a couple of decent wins recently, but that they would swap them all for a win against Newport."

Aware of the task and what this particular game means to Vale, Jones has picked a strong side.

There are just two changes from the team which beat Pontypridd, one in the backs and one up front.

Former England under-21 cap Alex Cadwallader comes in on the wing for Luke Nabaro.

And ex-Wales prop Chris Anthony (pictured) steps in at tight head prop in place of Adrian Garvey. "We will pay Ebbw Vale every respect and I'm picking a strong team," said Jones.

"We will travel very positively expecting a huge battle. We've had a couple of wins which has given us confidence and the players want to make sure it continues. "It's important we continue in that winning vein."

Wales lock Ian Gough again plays at blindside flanker, with Andrew Powell remaining alongside him at number eight.

Jason Jones-Hughes has recovered from his hamstring injury and is among the replacements along with Llyr Lane.

League points and final placings could suddenly become very relevant if it is to be nine teams after all at premier level next season.

Newport team: P Montgomery, M Mostyn, H Luscombe, J Pritchard, A Cadwallader, S Howarth, O Tonu'u, R Snow, J Richards, C Anthony, S Raiwalui (captain), M Voyle, I Gough, A Powell, J Forster.

Replacements: J Jones-Hughes, J Strange, L Lane, A Garvey, P Young, S Ojomoh, R Jones. Kick off 5.30pm.