SIMON Raiwalui (pictured) will captain Newport after all in today's Celtic League clash against Scottish Borders at Rodney Parade.

Raiwalui had been left out partly because he injured a knee against Toulouse in the Heineken Cup last week and partly to give him a rest ahead of two Welsh League games next week after playing in every game this season.

The captaincy had been handed to full back Matt Pini, who has been in charge in training all week.

But Joe Powell, who had been switched from the back row to lock, has pulled out of the Borders game with a damaged calf.

That means Raiwalui will revert to lock and play as an unaccustomed middle jumper with Mattew Veater at the front.

Mike Voyle, also in need of a rest after playing in all eight games, will now be a replacement.

An opportunity to play another youngster, Luke Charteris, 6ft 8ins and just 20, was denied Newport because he has a knee injury.

But there are still three threequarters and two forwards - all under 23 - who have been drafted in to face Borders.

It is a big opportunity for centres Hal Luscombe and Scott Williams, wing Alex Cadwallader, prop David Pattison plus back row forward Rhys Jones.

"We have rested a number of key players, but a number of positions are up for grabs," said coach Leigh Jones.

And backs coach Richard Hill emphasised: "It's a fantastic opportunity for them, we've got to look forward now.

"We have to try to change things to find the formula to end this bad run.

"Bristol had been going through a dismal run with one win and no-one gave them a chance against Montferrand, but they won.

"That was based on defence which has been one of our main weaknesses. We have conceded tries too easily, so defence has been worked on a great deal.

"A line has been drawn under it after Toulouse and we want to see some very effective defence."

Hill urges the experimental Newport side to guard against the fluid style of play used by Borders.

"They have got better, they're well organised and like to play it loose," he said.

"They play a fragmented game and they thrive off it. If we let them play loose they will profit, it's going to be a tough game."