NEWPORT scored 118 points in last season's games against Llandovery but coach David Rees warned his team ahead of tomorrow's Church Bank clash - "it's one of the toughest places to go."

Rees explained: "Llandovery are a team who blow completely hot or cold.

"Cross Keys coach Robert Beale said a couple of weeks ago that he found it difficult to know how to prepare his team for their clash and I understand what he means.

"Over the past few years they have shown they can be a top six team one day and a bottom six team another. You just never know who will turn up.

"It may be something to do with the fact that they sometimes, but not always, have a player or two in from the Scarlets region.

"Last week they dominated for long periods against Pontypool, although they were well beaten in the end, so we will have to perform to gain our fourth win of the season."

Rees was unhappy with his team's slow start against Carmarthen last week when they were perhaps a bit complacent, but he doesn't expect a repeat tomorrow.

"My outburst at half-time in that game should ensure there is no repeat," he said.

Rees also doesn't expect last seasons results, a 67-7 home win and 51-11 away win, to induce a lackadaisical display.

"I don't think the players will remember those scorelines and they were two end of season games when we were riding high and they were virtually safe from relegation, while there were also motivational factors (Newport had had three points deducted by the WRU after Llandovery complained about the postponement of their game at Rodney Parade)."

Rees warned pre-season that he did not want or expect a slow start to the campaign and some will say, despite three wins from three, that is what has happened.

Rees is content, however. "I'm not 100% happy," he said, "but we are building and we have secured three wins.

"I'm happier with this season's start than last when we scraped several wins (Pontypool 20-16, Bedwas 12-7, Cardiff 33-27, Newbridge 20-17) with poor performances."

Newport will again be without outside half Aled Thomas tomorrow, on Dragons duty along with hooker Andrew Brown, as well as injured scrum half Alex Walker, Richard Dale and Chris Davies.

Wales Under-21s international Ricky Williams has had a virus so sits on the bench with Daniel Griffiths slotting into the pivot position he occupied for two seasons and James Rowles returning at full back. Hooker Rhys James makes his Newport league debut.