NEWPORT ring the changes for tonight's Welsh Premier Division visit of Llanelli with coach David Rees expecting those coming in to "step up to the mark".

He said: "The players gave their all in a very physical game at Aberavon (dominating the cup encounter) and with two more games this week changes were necessary.

"At least we have the numbers now to make a few changes while it is important to look after one or two key players."

Further changes will be necessary for Saturday's visit by Llandovery as some players arranged trips to Dublin for the Wales match before the Llan-dovery game was rearranged.

"We set our stall out at Aberavon and it's up to the players coming into the team against Llanelli to step up to the mark," added Rees.

"Saturday's win was built on a lot of determination and hard work from the previous four league games we had lost and I believe we can now win the majority of our remaining league games."

Rees added: "It will be tough against Llanelli (narrowly above Newport and one of the teams they are hoping to overhaul).

"We understand former Wales internationals Chris Wyatt and Gavin Thomas will be in their back row while they have a raft of international age group players.

"They play football and on their day can beat anyone but they can be awful. They're unpredictable." Newport make nine changes, one positional, from the Aberavon game.

Will Kershaw-Naylor switches to the left wing in place of Richard Fussell with James Taylor returning on the right, and Matthew Thomas replaces Alex Walker at scrum half.

In the pack, the front row changes completely, Dragons prop Chris Anthony returning at tight head. Lock Mark Workman misses only his second game this season, Neil Watkins replacing him, while in the back row Marc Popham and Chris Davies return.

Hooker Leighton Jones, forced to leave the field at Aberavon after a stamp on a knee, should be fit for Saturday.

Newport: R Williams, J Taylor, J Rowles, R Payne, W Kershaw-Naylor, D Griffiths, M Thomas, I Evans, R James, C Anthony, M Veater, N Watkins, M Popham, C Davies, R Jones. Replacements: G Crothers, A Tackel, D Pattison, A Brown, C Powell, S Waldron, R Dale. Kick-off 7.15pm.