CAPTAIN Rhys Jenkins says Newport need to be 80-minute men if they are to stay in a winning groove against Principality Premiership champions Merthyr this weekend, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Black and Ambers head to the Wern in fine spirits after backing up an excellent win against Pontypridd at Rodney Parade with last week’s late success at Ebbw Vale.

Craig Warlow’s side edged a thriller at Eugene Cross Park 27-25 thanks to a last-gasp penalty by Matt O’Brien that ensured they weren’t left kicking themselves for letting a 24-8 lead slip.

Newport sit fourth in the east with 10 points from four games and Jenkins is pleased by their progress after a challenging summer of change.

However, the back row forward knows that they will have to up their game against the champions despite Merthyr having already suffered losses to Bedwas, Cardiff and Ponty in the defence of their crown.

“We’ve had two really good wins against tough teams,” said 27-year-old Jenkins.

“We have played some great rugby in patches and now we need to sustain that because Merthyr have a formidable squad.

“They haven’t made the start to the season they would like but will still be in the mix for the title so we have to build on the last two weeks.

“Some of the stuff we have played has been brilliant at times but we could easily have lost to both Pontypridd and Ebbw Vale.

“Now we need an 80-minute performance, putting everything together in attack and defence without any lapses.”

Newport played Merthyr just once last season, losing 50-26 at Rodney Parade, and haven’t played at the Wern since tries by Sam Warldron, Andrew Coombes and Andrew Brown - a trio of hall of famers - earned a Swalec Cup triumph in 2010.

l Bargoed aim to bounce back from a heavy defeat at Bedwas when they entertain Pontypridd tomorrow afternoon.