But Newport’s short tenure at the top could end if second placed Pontypridd can win at Aberavon – or the Wizards come out on top at the Talbot Athletic Ground to regain their foothold above everyone else.
Newport’s big home win over Bridgend last weekend at Rodney Parade earned them a one-point advantage over reigning champions Pontypridd, but the Black & Ambers are sitting out this weekend. Aberavon are currently in fifth place, three points behind the leaders.
Also in action this weekend are Bridgend and Cross Keys, who meet at the Bridgend Ford Brewery Field. Keys ran out 20-13 winners at the same venue in the SSE Swalec Cup earlier in the month.
Former Wales Under 20 and Dragons centre Barney Nightingale starts in the Keys back line. The Gwent side were beaten 48-22 by Llanelli at Parc y Scarlets in their last Premiership outing, but had been unbeaten in their previous 10 before that, including an 18-0 home win over the Ravens.
Keys are 10 points behind Newport at present, but have two games in hand, while Bridgend are seeking a win that would move them ahead of Carmarthen Quins and into 10th place in the table.
