NEWPORT are bidding for a perfect 13 when they host champions-elect Neath in front of the S4C cameras tomorrow evening (kick-off 6pm).

Clashes between Newport and Neath are usually headline-grabbers, but the relegation duel at Eugene Cross Park is this weekend’s ‘big one’.

However, there is plenty at stake at Rodney Parade with the Black and Ambers looking to make it 13 home league wins from 13 while the leaders could potentially seal the title.

The second scenario is an unlikely one – it requires Swansea to fail to pick up a point at Cross Keys and for Neath to win with a four-try bonus point – but it is a matter of time before the Welsh All Blacks seal another Premiership triumph.

“The home record is a motivating factor, but the main concern for us is raising our game because we have gone off the boil if we are honest,” said head coach Sven Cronk.

“I think we are still suffering from the intensity of the British and Irish Cup and players have been turning out with niggles and fractured ribs. People like Andy Brown have been superb – he has played non-stop with injury.

“But we want to be back in the tournament so we have to finish in the top four. We need to keep winning with Cardiff, Pontypridd and Llanelli all in the mix.”

Dragons Academy fly-half Lewis Robling starts in the absence of Chris Wannell and Dan Griffiths, who are both unlikely to feature again this season.

Adam Hughes and Pat Leach are paired together in midfield while Dafydd Rosser, Gethin Robinson, Paul Williams and skipper Andrew Coombs return in the pack.

Newport: G Wyatt, A Awcock, A Hughes, P Leach, M Poole, L Robling, A Walker, D Pattison, Andrew Brown, G Robinson, D Rosser, Adam Brown, R Dale, P Williams, A Coombs (captain). Replacements: A Quick, N Williams, S Williams, D Way, L Hunter, M Workman, S Waldron.

l Coombs has been named Premiership player of the month for March. The number eight has been at the heart of the efforts of the Black and Ambers pack and his performances have earned him Newport Gwent Dragons call-ups.

“It’s great to get this kind of recognition, both in terms of this award and in terms of playing for the Dragons,” he said.

“I have already learnt a lot from gaining some game time with them and now I want to take that back to Newport.

“We have had a stop-start season. After finishing second last year, it would have been great to win the Premiership this season but a few results have let us down, in particular with recent losses to Cardiff and Llanelli.

“Our main aim now is to finish in the top four to gain automatic British and Irish Cup qualification.”