Principality Premiership Preview
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With the other Premiership clubs not playing until Friday, Newport will be hoping to pull away from the chasing pack by securing three points against rock-bottom Glamorgan Wanderers. Both sides were involved in nail-biting draws last time they played, but now have an early opportunity to get back to winning ways on Wednesday.
The Wanderers have made a number of changes to the side that came back so late to draw 20-20 with Aberavon on October 28.
Keith Stewart is fit for the first time this season and starts at lock, while there are also returns from injury for Gareth McCarthy, Simon Rosser and Gareth Williams. Jamie Thatcher keeps his place on the wing after impressing as a sub against Aberavon, whilst new signing Nick Kelly replaces Marcus Leach at No.8, the latter having left to work in South Africa.
Meanwhile, league leaders Newport have made six changes to the side which drew 18-18 against fierce rivals Cardiff.
The Black and Ambers bring in a completely new back row consisting of Richard Field, Craig Hill and Richard Dale. Mike Poole replaces Richard Fussell on the wing and Ryan Howells switches flanks. Rhys James comes in as hooker, while Matthew Thomas replaces James Ireland at scrum half.
Glamorgan Wanderers: Charlie Johnson, Jamie Jones, Simon Rosser, Aled James, James Thatcher, Gareth McCarthy, Gareth Williams, Matthew Bolton (c), Rhys Williams, Alex Murphy, Jonathan Luff, Keith Stewart, Craig Morris, Ben Rose, Nick Kelly
Replacements: Mike Bishop, Paul Douglas, Sean O’Sullivan, Sam Feehan, Andrew Cawley, Craig Warman, Gareth Knight
Newport: Jason Tovey, Mike Poole, Scott Williams, Nathan Williams, Ryan Howells, James Dixon, Matthew Thomas, Dai Pattison (c), Rhys James, Gethin Robinson, Mark Workman, Matthew Veater, Richard Field, Craig Hill, Richard Dale
