NEWPORT will need a tighter defence than they have shown on their last two trips to the capital when they lock horns with Cardiff in the Principality Premiership this afternoon (kick-off 2.30pm).

The Black and Ambers shipped six tries in a 32-17 last season while in September, 2012 their line was crossed nine times in a 62-17 tonking.

That was the most points that the Blue and Blacks have scored against their old foes and the men from BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park will start as favourites this afternoon.

They have made a super start to the campaign with three wins from four, their only loss coming against Cross Keys in the capital.

Newport, meanwhile, will be looking to fire back after being edged out 29-25 in Bridgend last weekend. They will need to show the same determination and grit that earned the spoils in Ebbw Vale a fortnight ago.

The Black and Ambers are stretched to the limit with a lengthy injury list and a quartet of their allocated Dragons Academy players – captain and flanker Ollie Griffiths, wing Ashton Hewitt, centre Barney Nightingale and tighthead Alex Jeffries – featuring for Cross Keys in the British and Irish Cup.

Geraint O'Driscoll moves from full-back because of a shortage of centres while lock Adam Brown captains the side in Griffiths' absence.

Newport : J Murphy, J Morris, G O'Driscoll, D Franchi, O Broad, M O'Brien, O Davies, D Pattison, D Rogers, J Monk, Adam Brown (captain), A Frampton, S Cross, R Jenkins, S Feehan. Replacements : E Whitson, W Evans, L Jenkins, S Waldron, D Partridge, A Quick, J Lewis, J Mogg.