WHEN a late phone call on Wednesday night said Pontypridd were unable to fulfil tonight’s clash with Newport at Rodney Parade (kick off 7.15pm) it seemed that fixtures between the sides were cursed.

The Black and Ambers’ first game of the season was postponed because of severe flooding at Sardis Road and this evening’s visitors wanted to delay again because of front row worries.

Newport received a call in the evening informing them that Ponty only had one fit prop and that the game would have to be played later on in the season.

But the green light has been given after emergency discussions involving the clubs and the WRU (with Newport understandably unhappy at the prospect of such a late postponement).

Now the Black and Ambers have to concentrate on getting back to winning ways following last Saturday’s disappointment against Llanelli when the leaders took the spoils 22-17 at Rodney Parade.

Head coach Sven Cronk has rung the changes with Jason Tovey and Dan Griffiths changing positions with the former moving from full-back to fly-half.

Steve Taylor and Nathan Williams come in on the wings and will hope to be given enough ball to show that they deserve regular spots.

But the most crucial change from the Llanelli defeat comes at scrum half where Tom Isaacs returns to the fold.

The 21-year-old was on the bench last weekend and did not come on because he was starting at Newport Gwent Dragons at Wasps the following day.

Isaacs has made a huge impact in his short time he has spent at Rodney Parade, and it is a terrific for him to have the chance to show his talents at regional level, but his return to the Premiership fold provides Newport with a shot in the arm.

There are new faces in the backs but where tonight’s hosts must improve from Saturday is in the pack.

Cronk was livid at the way his front eight allowed Llanelli to slow the ball down and they cannot afford to be so timid against a Ponty pack that is sure to be abrasive.

The loss of Matthew Veater to Cardiff hasn’t really been apparent this term but the confrontational lock certainly wouldn’t have shied away from sorting out players lying on the ball.

Those in numbers 1 to 8 need rise to the challenge tonight and show the appetite for a collision to ensure that Newport get on the front foot, for Ponty are a dangerous side when they get into their stride.

They destroyed Pontypool last weekend and have won their last four games, so the visitors will be determined to display their title credentials rather than letting Newport get their challenge back on track.

Newport: D Griffiths, S Taylor, T Riley, S Williams, N Williams, J Tovey, T Isaacs, I Evans, M Leaman, G Robinson, M Workman, A Jones, D McShane, C Hill, A Coombs (captain). Replacements: D Pattison, A Brown, A Murphy, M Amos, T Organ, A Quick, M Burke.