LION Gareth Evans has urged Newport to stick to their "high risk, high reward" style when they return to Principality Stadium for tomorrow's WRU National Cup final, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Black and Ambers will lock horns with Premiership champions Merthyr with the aim of repeating the heroics of the club's 1977 and 2001 teams.

Evans missed the former of those triumphs, against fierce rivals Cardiff, along with fellow Lion Dai Burcher after being selected for the tour to New Zealand.

The former centre, who was inducted into the club's hall of fame in 2014, believes that the key to the current crop following in the footsteps of Colin Smart & Co is to go on the run against the heavy Ironmen.

"They have provided great entertainment by playing some superb rugby," said Evans, who played 232 games for the Black and Ambers. "They have gone out and decided on a style of high risk, high reward.

"Some of the tries scored have been magnificent and they play with a lot of heart, winning games that have gone to the wire.

"I was at Bedwas for the second game of the season (a 29-7 loss) and I remember thinking 'where are we going?' but the team has improved immeasurably.

"The forwards can hold their own but also have the ability to handle, run and offload while there is pace in the backs and fly-half Matt O'Brien seems to be a key to the team, making us play and pulling the strings.

"We do also give points away! But I just hope that we can hold Merthyr up front and then if we do we have a side that can cause them problems on a big pitch."

It has been a challenging year for Newport after last May's sale of their historic Rodney Parade home to the Welsh Rugby Union and fears about their future.

"Everyone has been saying it, but the spirit that has been shown after what happened last year is incredible," said Evans, who has been heavily involved at the club this season.

"There is a merry band of loyal diehards and they needed something after what they went through last year.

"This is a big boost to the club and hopefully we can gain some more support from it."