Newport renew hostilities with Cardiff at Rodney Parade tonight to continue their classic rivalry.
Both sides began the Super Rygbi Cymru season slowly but have seemed to turn a corner before the break.
The Black and Ambers earnt back-to-back wins against Ebbw Vale and Bridgend and will surely have been desperate to continue their momentum during the break.
Cardiff meanwhile showed their teeth with convincing wins against Aberavon and Pontypool before an important home win against Llandovery.
Five Dragons players are in the Newport squad tonight with Jac Lloyd and Che Hope continuing their half-back partnership, while Barny Langton-Cryer is in the second row.
Props Jordan Morris and Luke Yendle will look to make an impact off the bench.
Langton-Cryer was named Player of the Match against Ebbw Vale following his disruptive diplay at the lineout and hopes Newport can maintain their recent form.
“Games against Cardiff are always massive,” said Langton-Cryer.
“There’s a lot of history between Newport and Cardiff so a win would mean a lot.
“Confidence is definitely growing in the group, I think the win against Ebbw was huge, proving we can beat anyone when we’re at our best, a win against Cardiff would prove we’re real contenders.”
Indeed, despite their slow start, a win could see Newport rise as high as fifth in the table, one spot below the Blue and Blacks.
With the game held at the iconic Rodney Parade tonight is set to be a brilliant occasion.
“I’m really excited to play in this game,” said Langton-Cryer.
“Especially with it being at Rodney parade, it should be a great atmosphere there with it being a local derby, and Rodney’s always a great place to play.
“It would be great to see as many supporters as possible at Rodney on Friday night.
“It promises to be a great game and I have full faith the supporters at Rodney will be on top form.”
Elsewhere, Pontypool are also in action as they travel to visit Llandovery.
Seven Dragons are in the Pooler 23 with prop George Tuckley, flanker Ryan Jones and half-backs Morgan Lloyd and Harri Ford in the starting XV plus Evan Minto, Logan Franklin and Rhys Cole on the bench.
Pooler suffered an agonising last second home defeat against Aberavon last time out in late October and face a Llandovery side who will be smarting from only their second defeat of the season at Cardiff.
The Drovers are currently third in the table and will hope to take advantage of their game in hand to leapfrog Carmarthen Quins into second, meanwhile Pooler could jump to fifth from eighth in a congested middle order.
Newport team v Cardiff, Rodney Parade KO 7:30pm
Carwyn Penny; Fin Baker, Jon Morris, Chay Foster-Smith, Iestyn Galton; Jac Lloyd, Che Hope; Tom Devine, Wade Langley, Garin Harris, Josh Skinner, Barny Langton-Cryer, Ioan Rhys Davies, Hunter Ward, Ben Roach (capt.).
Replacements
Henry Palmer, Jordan Morris, Luke Yendley, Callum Bradbury, Kobi Rees, Dafydd Buckland, Harrison James, Morgan Williams.
Pontypool team v Llandovery, Church Bank, Llandovery KO 7:30pm
Carrick McDonough; Ioan Duggan, Ioan Evans, Joel Mahoney, Marcus Jones; Harri Ford, Morgan Lloyd; George Tuckley, Aneurin James, Kelvyn Williams, Joe Davies, Dan Hill, Scott Matthews, Ryan Jones, Morgan Allen (capt.).
Replacements
Ewan Burrows, Jake Wisniewski, Kyan Best, Lloyd Riley, Evan Minto. Logan Franklin, Kieran Meek, Rhys Cole.
...it should be a great atmosphere there with it being a local derby, and Rodney’s always a great place to play. It would be great to see as many supporters as possible at Rodney on Friday night."
