OFISA Tonu'u goes straight into the Newport team for tomorrow's tough game against Neath at the Gnoll.

The former New Zealand and Samoa scrum half completed his signing for Newport yesterday, and he takes over from Dale Burn, who stands down after playing in all five games so far.

"I was playing in a sevens tournament in London and two days later I was down here in Newport," said Tonu'u, still surprised at the swiftness of his move.

"It's quite a transition and I'm looking forward to it. I've watched games on television and it's physical and very demanding.

"It's a new challenge, but I'm looking forward to working with Ian McIntosh and Allan Lewis.

"I used to play with or against a few of the Newport players, and there are also a lot of exciting young players here."

He used to partner Shane Howarth at half back in the Auckland team.

"We gelled straightaway," said Howarth with whom Tonu'u teams up again after an eight year gap.

"He's a strong, physical player who can pass the ball the length of the field," added Howarth.

It will be a baptism of fire for Tonu'u because Newport haven't won at the Gnoll for the last seven years and were humbled there last season when they couldn't beat a Neath side reduced to 14 men for most of the game.

Neath will also be thirsting for revenge after losing the cup final.

Newport are without wing Matt Mostyn, who has a thigh strain while Jason Jones-Hughes and Alix Popham have had more problems with their knee and arm injuries, respectively.

Lock Gareth Taylor injured a knee in training, newcomer Del Cross the bench. They have no replacement hooker because Paul Young has a calf injury.

Newport team (possible): M Pini, M Watkins, J Pritchard, A Marinos, E Lewis, S Howarth, O Tonu'u, R Snow, J Richards, A Garvey, S Raiwalui (captain), M Voyle, P Buxton, A Powell, J Forster. Replacements: N Brew, J Strange, D Burn, C Anthony, P Young, D Cross, G Gravell. Kick off 5.30pm.