NEWPORT RFC will attempt to avoid suffering three defeats on the spin for the first time in over two years when they host RGC in Super Rygbi Cymru on Saturday.

The Black and Ambers were edged out 17-14 by Gwent rivals Pontypool last weekend after previously being downed 30-28 by Premiership champions Llandovery.

Ty Morris’ men will aim to avoid an unwanted hat-trick when they welcome the dangerous north Walians to Rodney Parade, with the boss wanting more of a cutting edge.

“We were really not happy with our attacking sets, there were forward passes and knock-ons,” said Morris after the loss at Pontypool.

“We failed to get past two phases [enough] and that was very unlike us - we have to go back to the drawing board and have a look at what we are doing.

“I have said to the guys that we have to be better with possession, but I can't fault the effort.”

Newport will benefit from some inside knowledge of their visitors – forwards coach Ceri Jones, who combines his role with his job at the Dragons academy, left RGC at the end of last season.

The men from Colwyn Bay have won three and lost three of their SRC fixtures, and are aiming to avoid a whitewash in Gwent after losing at Pontypool and Ebbw Vale.

HOME WIN: Ebbw Vale overpowered RGC at Eugene Cross ParkHOME WIN: Ebbw Vale overpowered RGC at Eugene Cross Park (Image: Alan Skeates/Huw Evans Agency)

The Steelmen powered past RGC and backed that up impressively at Bridgend last weekend, winning 34-18 despite a red card for number eight Ryan Jenkins.

After the scrum did the damage against RGC, the lineout produced the goods at Brewery Field with a hat-trick for hooker Joe Franchi.

Jason Strange’s men travel to Carmarthen Quins as they bid to finish a strong first block on a high after winning five of six games.

Their only disappointment was at leaders Cardiff in round two when they failed to take a number of chances in the 22.

“The biggest strength this team has is they’ve now played 50 or more games together,” said boss Strange. “We all know that good teams come off the back of playing lots of games together.”

It’s the quarter-finals of Premiership Cup and there is a humdinger of a tie when Bargoed, fresh from stunning Merthyr, host Pontypridd.

Newbridge go on their travels to Brecon while Cross Keys face a trip to Narberth, with the other tie between Ystrad Rhondda and Merthyr.

Super Rygbi Cymru: Aberavon v Llandovery, Carmarthen Quins v Ebbw Vale, Newport v RGC, Cardiff v Bridgend.

Premiership: Bargoed v Pontypridd, Brecon v Newbridge, Narberth v Cross Keys, Ystrad Rhondda v Merthyr.