NEWPORT may be underdogs for their first home game of the season but coach Ty Morris says the pressure is still on for their clash with champions Pontypridd, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Black and Ambers take to the Rodney Parade turf after enjoying an opening day bonus-point win at Neath and enduring a derby day disappointment at Ebbw Vale.

It was a summer of change in Newport with Morris joining a new-look management team headed by Craig Warlow and a number of new faces arriving.

And the forwards coach says the heat is on to give the Parade faithful, who saw their side prop up the Premiership last season, reason for optimism.

Morris said: "We have spoken about challenging ourselves this season and there's no bigger challenge than Pontypridd, who have been the best team in the league for a long time now.

"It's a great opportunity for the players to show that we have improved and to show that we are progressing.

"Things are going to take time because of the changes but we have to build each week and there is pressure to perform in our first home game.

"We have to keep improving and from the games against Ebbw Vale and Neath we need to speed up at the contact area and be more accurate because we have wasted chances with overthrows and by blowing overlaps.

"The boys are up for the challenge and I am sure they will put in a big performance and enjoy that underdog status."

Morris headed to Rodney Parade after cutting his teeth with Risca and has settled in well.

"I've always wanted to coach at as high a level as possible," said the former flanker. "I have already learnt a lot from both Craig and Lewis (Evans, defence coach) and I look forward to keeping on challenging myself."

Newport, who will be without unavailable loosehead John Lavender, have a pretty good record against Ponty at Rodney Parade.

They were doubled by the champions last season but have won nine of 12 encounters on home soil in the semi-professional era.