The clash between the two centre pairings at Cardiff and Newport will be worth the admission price alone tonight (Thursday, 2 April – 7.30pm).
The ancient rivalry will still be there, as will vital points in the race for a top two finish in Super Rygbi Cymru, but the sight of current Wales U20 centres Steff Emanuel and Osian Darwin-Lewis going up against two of their predecessors at the same level, Joe Westwood and Harri Ackerman should be totally engrossing.
All four rank among the best midfield players produced by Wales U20 in recent years and either pair could have a major impact on the outcome of one of the games of the season.
“Newport is a team on top who are currently holding all three trophies, so it’s going to be a great challenge for us. I know the boys can’t wait to get stuck into it,” sad Cardiff head coach Dan Fish.
“We had a good performance at Llandovery on Saturday and know we will need the same. With a lot to play for, we know this is going to be another tough game, as always, when we play Newport.
“With a short turnaround, we’ve focused on getting our detail right. Every time we play Newport, it’s always a tight physical game that comes down to small margins.
“It’s our last home game of the regular season and it really is a big one to finish on.”
Newport have been in outstanding form of late and come into the game at the Arms Park on the back of six successive league wins. They also won the SRC Cup at the start of the year.
The reigning champions from last year, they have twice beaten Cardiff this season already in the league and cup. They have former Wales international prop Rhodri Jones packing down in the front row.
Cardiff: Matty Young; Tom Bowen, Osian Darwin-Lewis, Steff Emanuel, Dewi Cross; Harri Wilde, Ethan Lloyd; Ioan Emanuel, Alun Rees, Tom Harper, Craig Hudd, Ethan Phillips, Sonny McCabe, Ben Fry, Aled Ward
Reps: Tom Howe, Cam Tyler-Grocott, Will Davies-King, Tirion Bowen, Jason Harries, Joe Williams, Lloyd Lucas, Rhys CummingsNewport: Morgan Williams; Lloyd Lewis, Joe Westwood, Harri Ackerman, Oli Andrew; Carwyn Penny, Dafydd Buckland; Rhodri Jones, Henry Palmer, Ollie Drake, Josh Skinner, Callum Bradbury, Hunter Ward, Kyle Tayler, Ben Roach (captain)
Reps: Wade Langley, Harry Fry, Garin Harris, Cerrig Smith, Ioan Davies, Lucus Welch, Harrison James, Chay Foster-Smith