GAME of the day in the Premiership is undoubtedly at Rodney Parade where second-placed Newport are looking to leapfrog leaders Llanelli.

The Black and Ambers have been in superb form so far this term but so have their visitors from the west.

Both teams have just one defeat to their names – Llanelli to Pontypridd in their last game at Stradey Park and Newport to Neath at the Gnoll.

Today’s hosts have been dazzling on their own patch and have run in an incredible 22 tries in three fixtures so will be favourites this afternoon.

Head coach Sven Cronk has made just one change to the side that won at Glamorgan Wanderers, a tough place to go, with Newport Gwent Dragons full-back Jason Tovey returning.

But it will be the back row that holds the key with the in-form trio of Craig Hill, skipper Andrew Coombs and Richard Dale looking to dominate.

They are part of an imposing Newport pack that should have too much grunt and experience for the visitors.

Pontypool know they will have to be at their best when they host Pontypridd (kick-off 5.30pm), who are on an impressive run.

The Sardis Road side have beaten Glamorgan Wanderers, Llanelli and Aberavon in the last three weeks and hope to continue in front of the S4C cameras this evening.

But Pooler protect a good record at the Park where only leaders Llanelli have beaten them this season.

To send Ponty packing they will need to match them up front, which means the pressure will be on hard-carrying back row men Rhys Bowen and Adam Brake.

Cross Keys got back to winning ways against Pooler last week and the aim today is to stretch away from the strugglers.

They travel to second from bottom Bedwas and will be looking for a repeat of the corresponding fixture last year.

The hosts snatched the lead in the last minute when wing Jimmy Norris crossed only to see Keys grab the points through a cracking injury-time effort from wideman Gareth Williams.

Keys would settle for a more placid afternoon this time round and will need half-back Ryan James to continue from where he left off at Pandy Park last weekend.

Ebbw Vale stunned champions Neath last weekend and will need an equally determined display when they head west to face Swansea.

The Steelmen have won their last three games while the St Helens side have suffered back-to-back losses to city rivals Newport and Cardiff.

But the hosts’ form is deceptive, they remain a dangerous side and can cuts sides to shreds on their own turf.

Number eight Rhys Williams is often the man that Vale look to lead the charge and this afternoon will be no different.

Other fixtures: Aberavon v Bridgend, Llandovery v Neath, Cardiff v Glam Wands.