Cardiff RFC will be aiming to return to winning ways in the Super Rygbi Cymru (SRC) Cup as they face Newport RFC at the Cardiff Arms Park (KO: 14:00).
The Blue and Blacks come into the contest following their 374-mile round-trip to Colwyn Bay to face Rygbi Gogledd Cymru (RGC) in their opening Cup match.
However, it turned into an afternoon to forget in North Wales, as the Gogs claimed a 34-5 victory. Dewi Cross was Cardiff’s only try-scorer on a cold and rainy day at Stadiwm Eirias.
Whereas, the Black and Ambers enter the contest following a 20-20 draw against Gwent rivals Pontypool RFC at Newport Stadium last Thursday.
Cardiff RFC Team News vs Newport:
1. Cam Tyler-Grocott
2. Gavin Parry
3. Tom Harper
4. Ethan Phillips
5. Sonny McCabe
6. Gwilym Bradley
7. Nathan Hudd (C)
8. Aled Ward
9. Joe Williams
10. Steff Crimp
11. Harry Turner
12. Ioan Leyshon
13. Bailey Cutts
14. Joseff Jones
15. Steff Davies
Replacements:
16. Alun Rees
17. Christian Brooks
18. Callum Donoghue-Proud
19. Tirion Bowen
20. Rhodri Morgan
21. Ethan Lloyd
22. Ioan Penry
23. Jason Harries
Pre-Match Thoughts:
Speaking ahead of the match, head coach Dan Fish said: “A big challenge as we welcome Newport to the Arms Park.
“We also have great battles with each other and expect nothing less on Saturday.
“Another opportunity for us to give boys game time and see some more of the exciting talent we have got in our region.
“Disappointing performance last weekend, but we know what we need to improve going into Saturday.
“As a squad, it’s important that we all learn each week to keep building towards the end of the season.”
The contest against Newport comes the day after Wales U20s face England in Northampton on Friday evening (KO: 19:45).
Among those selected, Steffan Emanuel has been handed co-captaincy, he is joined in the starting XV by Tom Howe, Sion Davies, Tom Bowen, Osian Darwin-Lewis, and Rhys Cummings.
Elsewhere, both Tom Cottle and Lloyd Lucas have been selected on the bench, which shows further Cardiff RFC representation throughout the matchday 23.
On the U20s selection, Fish added: “I want to say a big good luck to the coaches and players of Wales U20s for the upcoming Six Nations.
“It’s great to see so many boys who have played in the blue and black this season playing for Wales.
“I’m sure we will all get behind the boys at the Arms Park and look forward to seeing them in action.
Remember the last meeting at the Arms Park?
The last time Newport travelled to the Welsh capital was back in May last year, in the semi-finals of the inaugural SRC season.
Debutant Lloyd Lucas kicked 10 points from the tee and was accompanied by tries from Ethan Lloyd and Elijah Evans, which proved not to be enough as the Black and Ambers won 35-20.
For those unable to make it to the Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday afternoon, you can stay up-to-date with live updates across all Cardiff RFC social media channels (X, Facebook, and Instagram).