Seven changes as Llanelli battle to end record
The Black and Ambers have been dominant on home soil in the Welsh Premiership, winning all seven games on their own patch.
And Llanelli head of rugby Anthony Buchanan is expecting his side to face one of their toughest tests this season in a game that has provided some real thrillers in the past.
"Newport have proved to be very strong at home and it will be a testing afternoon — one of the toughest we're going to have this season," he said.
"But we have a lot of young talent in our squad that are hoping to make the grade at regional level and they know that doing well for us will build a platform for them."
Llanelli, whose trip to Pontypridd was called off last week, make seven changes from the side narrowly beaten at home by Neath a fortnight ago.
Jonny Lewis, previously at Swansea and Waunarlwydd, comes in at full-back in place of Dale Ford, while Llanharan wing Dorian Thomas starts as Andrew Fenby is on regional duty.
Steve Martin returns to partner Nick Reynolds, while Gareth Davies replaces Justin James at scrum-half.
Young hooker Rhys Lawrence gets a chance to shine in place of injured captain Craig Hawkins and summer signing Nathan White partners Aaron Shingler in the second row. On the bench, Rowan Jenkins is included after joining on permit from Felinfoel, while fit-again Chris Keenan is hoping to make his first appearance in three months.
Llanelli: J. Lewis; D. Thomas, S. Martin, N. Reynolds, J. Howells; L. Richards, G. Davies; I. Jones, R. Lawrence, A. Hopkins, N. White, A. Shingler, R. McCusker (capt), B. Morgan, N. Cudd. Replacements: R. Jenkins, L. Lewis, A. Powell, D. Eager, J. James, S. Shingler, C. Keenan, S. Williams.
Comment on this story