NEWPORT will be hoping to make the most of what could be their last trip to the Wern for some time when they look to make it a magnificent seven wins in a row in the Indigo Premiership, writes Rob Cole.
Last weekend’s 43-17 home success over RGC saw the Black and Ambers leapfrog Gwent rivals Ebbw Vale into second place, 15 points back on Llandovery with two games in hand.
Their latest task will be to win at Merthyr on Thursday (kick-off 7.30pm) in a fixture they won’t have next season.
The Ironmen opted out of applying for a licence to join the new 10-team Elite Domestic Competition. Newport, Ebbw Vale and Pontypool were all included.
While Black and Ambers team manager Mark Workman was delighted to see his side included, he believes there are still a number of key issues to be resolved before the new tournament kicks off next season.
“It is our 150th anniversary next season and we felt we had to apply to join the new competition because it is important that Newport RFC offers the highest possible grade of rugby to its players and supporters,” said the former lock.
“There are still reservations about the number of games we will play and the gaps in the season, but I’m sure we can work things out with the WRU.
“We enjoy a good working relationship with the Dragons, and I don’t see things changing too much.
“When you look at the number of players who have been helped along their way by playing in the Indigo Prem – Ryan Woodman, Will Reed and Harri Ackerman for example – then you can see the value of this level.
“It has been undervalued in the past and I hope things change on that front moving forward.”
Newport will be without full back Ioan Davies for the trip to Merthyr. He dislocated his ankle last weekend and looks like being out for the rest of the season.
There are also injury concerns with prop Garin Harris and outside half Carwyn Penny. The good thing is that Matt O’Brien will be able to continue in the 10 jersey due to the Thursday date not clashing with his job as Dragons backs coach.
Pontypool host Cardiff on Saturday seeking a notable double against the Blue and Blacks, who they beat 16-9 at the Arms Park in October.
Having started the season with a bang, winning seven of their opening eight games on their return to the top-flight, they have won only twice in their last eight.
The three-week break in fixtures has given head coach Leighton Jones the chance to re-group and get some players back to full fitness for an important run to the end of the campaign.
“The break has been a double-edged sword. We had a break after our winning streak, and it didn’t serve us well,” he said.
“Hopefully, this break has helped to get some boys back from injury and helped to freshen up a few others. With a couple of players coming back, we can look to get back to where we were at the start of the season.”
Third placed Ebbw Vale head to Bridgend hoping to keep in touch with Newport in the battle for the all-important second place, which guarantees a home game in the play-offs.
Premiership fixtures: Thursday - Merthyr v Newport (7.30pm); Saturday - Aberavon v RGC, Bridgend v Ebbw Vale, Neath v Llandovery, Pontypool v Cardiff, Swansea v Carmarthen Quins.
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