THE carrot of a place in the XV for a WRU National Cup semi-final should ensure there is no drop off in performance when Newport entertain Neath on Sunday.

The Black and Ambers have enjoyed a super start to 2018 to be in contention towards the top of the Principality Premiership and in the last four of the knockout competition.

Llandovery stand in their way of a first big day out at Principality Stadium, with the venue for the semi-final clash on the weekend of April 7 yet to be decided, and the squad will be battling for starting spots.

Newport enjoyed a superb quarter-final success at Bedwas on Tuesday, a perfect response to a first loss of the calendar year at Bridgend last Friday.

Now they have been challenged to maintain their standards against a Neath side who have lost all seven games since east and west joined up in the Premiership.

“We had a bit of a mishap against Bridgend last weekend after a really impressive win at Merthyr,” said forwards coach Ty Morris.

“The boys reacted really well at Bedwas on Tuesday and now it’s about keeping that confidence ahead of the semi-final.

“We’ve had a good competitive edge in the squad this season and that will be important ahead of the cup game - everybody has a chance to win a starting spot.”

Newport haven’t lost to Neath for three years and beat the Welsh All Blacks 32-14 at the Gnoll last May to claim the Tier Two title.

The Black and Ambers will be favourites to stretch their winning run to six games against their visitors, who propped up the western conference but who have shown signs of progress under Lyn Jones.

“Results haven’t gone their way but Neath are always very competitive,” said Morris. “They are always physical and have one or two very dangerous players behind.”

Newport were without lock Dan Partridge at Bedwas and he remains a doubt along with flanker Kyle Tayler.