NEWPORT have a golden opportunity to make it into the last eight of the Swalec Cup when they host Blackwood at Rodney parade this afternoon (kick-off 2.30pm).

The Black and Ambers are up against Gwent rivals but a home tie against Division One opposition is exactly what they would have wanted when the third round draw was made.

Newport are sixth in the Premiership and were knocked out at the group stage of the British and Irish Cup despite notable victories against Cornish Pirates, Currie and Plymouth, so the Swalec Cup is their only hope of silverware this season.

They are hot favourites to progress comfortably today but they will be challenged harder than they were by Felinfoel in the last round.

The Black and Ambers crossed for 12 tries in a thumping 74-15 victory but Blackwood will be sterner opposition.

But Newport possess too much power and pace and will be looking to put their Division One opponents under pressure with a high-tempo game.

They field a dangerous back three of Alan Awcock, Mike Poole and Matthew Pewtner while their front five is a pretty imposing one.

Blackwood did well when the teams met in the cup in 2008, going down 40-21 and posing plenty of problems for Newport.

They will be hoping to do themselves proud at the Parade once more while the Black and Ambers will not only want safe progress, they will be looking for a dominant performance.

Pontypool knew that they would be on their travels to the home of a Premiership rival when the draw for round three was made but they probably expected to be going slightly further west.

Pooler were no doubt pleased that Tonmawr beat cup kings Llanelli in a tie that was delayed by the weather but it remains a tough tie.

Assistant coach Wayne Jones has called on Pooler fans to get behind the team and travel to cheer them on in the Neath Valley.

“I was disappointed with the numbers at Pontypool Park last Saturday (for Pooler’s league win over Carmarthen Quins) so it would be great if we could have good support at Tonmawr,” he said.

Tonmawr possess a tough pack and a controlling No 10 in Dai Flanagan so Pooler will need big performances from lock Rhys Bowen, hooker Rhys Buckley and flanker Cae Trayhern. They have the backs to hurt their hosts if they can gain parity up front.