Sven: Forward power is key (From South Wales Argus)

Sven: Forward power is key

2:13pm Friday 27th January 2012 in Gwent Rugby By Chris Kirwan

NEWPORT head coach Sven Cronk has called on his forwards to outmuscle Ebbw Vale’s pumped up pack in tomorrow’s Swalec Cup clash at Rodney Parade (KO 2.30pm).

The Black and Ambers endured a miserable first half of the season but are unbeaten in 2012.

Newport, 13th place in the Premiership, are chasing a morale-boosting cup run and standing in their way of a place in round three are Division One East leaders Ebbw Vale.

Cronk expects a ferocious battle up front and has demanded that his charges meet the challenge head on unlike the last time they locked horns with regional rivals.

Cross Keys eased to a 40-22 win at Rodney Parade and had a bonus point in the bag with just 23 minutes on the clock.

“Last time out in a Gwent derby we didn’t do ourselves justice and the boys are fully aware of what is expected of them tomorrow,” said Cronk.

“There’s no doubt that Ebbw Vale are going to come out firing and will be determined to disrupt us up front.

“But we have plenty of experience in our pack and we should be more than capable of handling that.

“Neil Edwards will have them well drilled and I watched them at Gilfach Goch and in fairness they had a good set of forwards.

“They combine that with a strong kicking game and they can also mix it up but, as ever, this is a game that will be won and lost up front.

“They will be flying into us but as a player I used to love that and it’s up to us to raise our game.

“We need to start well and stop them getting a foothold in the game. It’s up to us to set the tone.”

Newport are down to the bare bones with recent regulars Sam Parry, Hugo Ellis, Darren Waters in action for Newport Gwent Dragons this evening while wing Matthew Pewtner has been called up by Wales sevens.

Ex-Ebbw Vale fly-half Gareth Bowen is set to start but Newport will confirm their side tomorrow.