THE standard of the Welsh/Scottish League has improved this season, says Newport captain Simon Raiwalui.

He leads Newport into a two-match holiday league programme against Ebbw Vale at Rodney Parade on Boxing day (3.30pm) and at Pontypridd on Friday (7.05pm). Newport are handily placed in second place in the table, but are taking nothing for granted in either match, especially the local derby against the Steelmen.

"Ebbw Vale are always motivated against Newport because of the local rivalry, I've never had an easy game against them," said Raiwalui.

"I didn't know what to expect at Eugene Cross Park at first, but it was welcome to Welsh rugby.

"It's the same now. They are very physical and tough and they do the basics well. "But we played well in three games against Leinster who are probably the best team in Europe.

"We gained confidence against Caerphilly, those games are not easy. All the Welsh teams are competing and have picked up this year. The Celtic League was panned at first, but they've been some of the toughest games.

"Ebbw Vale are not going to turn over for us, we've got to be 110 percent to beat them." *The Welsh Rugby Union have confirmed Newport will host the Wales A-France A game on February 17 (7.05pm).

Newport chief executive Keith Grainger wants a capacity crowd compared with the small turnout for the November games.

The club will also hold a minutes silence before the Vale game as a mark of respect for the four men who died in a car crash on the road from Caerleon on Sunday. Newport RFC ask fans wishing to buy their ticket on the day to get there early.