Meetings between both sides date back to 1876 when Cardiff played their first competitive game against Newport at Wentloog Marshes on the 2nd December of that year. The most recent meeting between the two sides was only 6 weeks ago in the Premiership Cup, where Cardiff won 38-15 and advanced to the second round.
On that occasion, captain Morgan Allen, Alun Rees, Dewi Cross and Luke Pollock all scored in what was a good day for Steve Law’s men.
The Blue and Blacks met Newport four times last season, with Cardiff running out victorious three times. The last time Newport were successful in the Capital was back in January, with a late drop goal coming from Newport’s Matt O’Brien.
The Blue and Blacks are hoping to narrow the gap between fifth place and the top four with another win over the Black and Ambers. Last time out the Blue and Blacks fell just short after a late try from Pontypool’s Amosa Nove which meant it finished 16-9 in favour of the visitors. Whereas last time out Newport thumped Pontypridd with a bonus point 54-3 win.
Team News:
Steve Law makes numerous changes to his starting XV that faced Pooler two weeks ago.
It’s an entirely new front row with Rhys Barratt and Christian Brooke coming in to replace Ollie Evans and Adam Williams. Alun Rees will make his 60th appearance in a Blue and Black shirt as he replaces Evan Lloyd.
Craig Hudd drops from openside into the second row to replace Sean Moore and after dropping out at the last minute last time out 20-year-old Mackenzie Martin comes back in on the blindside. 19-year-old Lucas De La Rua gets his first start of the season for Cardiff on the openside.
Law makes only one change in the Blue and Blacks backline as Dewi Cross returns on the wing. Newport born Joe Goodchild drops to outside centre, Luke Pollock moves to inside centre replacing Jason Harries.
Words By Harry Tovey.
HTSPORTSNEWS 