NEWPORT V LLANELLI (Tonight, KO 7.15)

NEWPORT head coach Sven Cronk admits he is faced with a host of selection quandaries for their clash with Llanelli at Rodney Parade.

The Black and Ambers had a busy summer of recruitment and with six fixtures in September are sure to share the starts around.

And Cronk has stressed that Newport’s coaching team were given plenty of headaches after their side got off to a terrific start by winning 23-20 at Aberavon last weekend thanks to wing Elliot Frewen’s last gasp winner.

“Everyone knows about how tough it is to win there so it was pleasing to see how well the boys gelled together,” said the head coach.

“The boys who had their opportunity in Aberavon did really well but we will need to have a look at those who missed out.

“We have a competitive squad and we need to be fair and strike a balance between giving chances and rewarding good performances.”

The win against the Wizards was a perfect start to the season for a Newport side that won just twice on their travels last term.

But Cronk believes they will need to go up another gear against a Llanelli side that has contested the last two Premiership finals.

“They are a very good side and were unlucky to lose narrowly in Bridgend last weekend,” said the coach.

“Games against Llanelli are always tough.

“They are a young group that play without fear.

“That means we have to be on our mettle defensively, especially after kicking for field position.

“We are looking for an improvement on Aberavon because a few too many first-up tackles were missed and our penalty count was too high.”