THEY may not have provided too many tea-time treats for television viewers last weekend but Newport would settle for a repeat when they head to Neath this evening (kick-off 5.30pm).
Seven days after taking the spoils in a dour affair at Ebbw Vale, the Black and Ambers again try to keep their 100 per cent record in front of the S4C cameras.
Sven Cronk’s side will be delighted with their start to the season but realise that they will need to step up another level at the Gnoll.
Champions Neath have made a faltering start and were stunned by Bridgend on their own turf last weekend, however they undoubtedly remain the league’s top dogs.
Key to Newport’s hopes of condemning their hosts to a third league defeat of the season is fly-half Jason Tovey, who gets the nod ahead of in-form Dan Griffiths.
The young Newport Gwent Dragon will be looking to get the better of his opposite number, whether it is the equally exciting prospect Matthew Jarvis or experienced Arwel Thomas facing him.
Pontypool know that their clash with basement outfit Llandovery could be of massive importance come the end of the campaign.
Pooler have made a steady start but know that they have to win when they host the likes of the Drovers.
The side from the Scarlets region traditionally finish the season strongly so it would be handy to build up a solid lead, and crucial to Pooler’s hopes will be a pair of Dragons - Dan Lydiate in the back row and Tal Selley at centre.
Cross Keys have failed to build on their victory over Swansea in their first game and are desperate for a win after three defeats on the spin.
To end that dismal run they will have to get the better of table-toppers Llanelli, who have won all five of their fixtures.
Forwards coach Greg Woods has demanded that they play with fire in their bellies at Pandy Park this afternoon, so will be looking for hooker Lloyd Burns to set the tempo.
Lyn Jones’ Ebbw Vale have a tricky trip to the capital to face a Cardiff side struggling to live up to their pre-season billing as title contenders (kick-off 1.30pm).
The Steelmen have made a solid but unspectacular start while the Blue and Blacks have won two and lost two, and have suffered after losing coaches to the Blues. It will be interesting to see how Ebbw cope without Will Thomas, whose input as a lock was as valued as his coaching efforts. They will need skipper Kristian Owen to be on form in the centre while fly-half Dai Langdon must have his kicking boots on.
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