ARGUS COMMENT: Hoping for a triple win this weekend (From South Wales Argus)

ARGUS COMMENT: Hoping for a triple win this weekend

11:28am Saturday 23rd February 2013 in Gwent news By Kevin Ward - Editor

IT IS another big weekend for our teams at a national and local level.

Wales travel to take on Italy today in a crucial Six Nations rugby match. A Wales victory would leave Rob Howley's team with a real chance of retaining their title.

Defeat, however, would give the critics even more ammunition.

Promotion-chasing Newport County hope to celebrate their new 10-year lease at Rodney Parade with a win against Telford that will push them closer to the promised land of the Football League.

The long-term agreement between County, Newport Gwent Dragons and Newport RFC is vital to the future of professional sport in this city.

A properly executed plan of action by all three clubs could see Rodney Parade go from strength.

A position of weakness remains the starting point for the Dragons in their next game away to the Italian side Zebre.

It is just over a week since the Dragons were thrashed 60-3 by Glasgow in a truly dreadful performance.

Zebre have failed to win a game all season. If they were to break their duck against the Dragons there will be hell to play.

Greedy as it might seem, we are banking on three victories this weekend.

Such a series of results would prove Wales' recent run of results were unjustified, put County firmly in the driving seat in the race to the promised land of League 2, and help to heal some bruised pride for the Dragons.