Neath’s inspirational leader takes his place in the back row alongside Lee Evans and Adam Powell who were both very impressive when the Welsh All Blacks won at Bedwas 28-20 first time out, then defeated Carmarthen Quins 44-5 at The Gnoll last week.
Neath will be seeking to make it a hat-trick of wins against the Black and Ambers and coaches Patrick Horgan and Richard Webster keep changes to a minimum with the only other alteration being the return of speedy winger David Evans who also makes his season’s bow.
Patrick Horgan said, “We don’t want to make too many changes at this early stage because we are still building momentum. To beat Carmarthen Quins so comprehensively was no mean feat after their fine win over Swansea the week before so it will be a similar starting line-up.
“We were also very pleased by the manner in which some of the younger players came off the bench. Without going overboard, their exuberance kicked us on in the second-half – it was good to see and further opportunities beckon.
“Although Newport have lost both their opening games we know that they are better than that and we will need to be at our best to defeat them. They have a big, experienced squad and will probably be reinforced by a few Dragons. It is a good challenge for us at this stage of the season and, with Welsh rugby buoyed by the Wales performance against South Africa, should draw a good crowd.”
Neath A.Jenkins; K.James, N.Brew, A.Bramwell, D.Evans; J.Thomas, C.Morgans; O.Ford, A.James, J.Reeves; E.Evans, M.Collins; L.Evans, A.Powell, G.Gravell (captain)
Replacements – T.Price, A.Littlehales, S.Jones, A.Whitney, D.Howell, G.McCarthy, T.Barry
