FOR some the European derby at Rodney Parade is just an aperitif for the Principality Premiership clash between Newport and Cross Keys.

The rivals will lock horns after the Challenge Cup encounter between Newport Gwent Dragons and Cardiff Blues with kick-off pencilled in for 3.30pm provided extra time is not required.

On paper it looks like a mismatch with Keys looking good for the playoffs and chasing Swalec Cup glory thanks to a run of 11 wins in 12 games while Newport need a miracle to avoid propping up the table and saw their Millennium Stadium hopes ended at Carmarthen Quins in the quarter-finals.

But clashes between the two foes are usually close and Black and Ambers acting head coach Craig Warlow believes there have been promising signs even though they are without a league win since January 17.

"It's been a disappointing season but there have been positives from the last few weeks and now we need something tangible – a win against a really good team," he said.

"It should be a superb occasion and is a huge stage. Hopefully the boys will put all of the things that we have been working hard on in training together.

"We've had 40-minute and 60-minute performances but need the full 80 against Cross Keys because they are a well-coached team with experienced players and they peak at the right time of the season."

Keys head coach Greg Woods insists that there is no danger of his side being lulled into a false sense of security by Newport's plight at the basement.

"Positions in the league counts for nothing when it's Keys and Newport," he said. "It will always be tight and it will be one of our toughest tests and a tight, nervy affair.

"There's no complacency. They will be pumped up and want to burst our bubble. We are winning but have to be focused and don't want to come unstuck on a big occasion like this.

"We have put ourselves in a great position for the playoffs and we can take a major step towards qualifying if we win at Rodney Parade, and we want to qualify as soon as possible."

Keys will tinker with their line-up for the derby encounter and Woods has demanded that the club's burgeoning talent give the management some selection headaches.

"This is a great chance to see what our youngsters are made of," he said. "It's a great chance for them to force their way into the side.

"It's a huge game for Scott Andrews, Josh Skinner, Lloyd Lewis. All eyes will be on Rodney Parade and they will be up against their regional counterparts.

"They have to raise the bar because the side has done well recently and we are giving them an opportunity to play in a huge game."