Newport relishing underdog tag

The Fishes journey to Yorkshire tomorrow with only two wins needed for a dream final at Twickenham.

That would be a major achievement for the Forton Road men just 12 months after cruelly missing out in the semi-finals of the same competition – but Newport cannot afford to look past a strong Tigers team littered with former stars.

Scrum half Dave Scully – a Sevens World Cup winner with England in 1993 – is still going strong at the ripe old age of 43 and has been named in the starting XV.

Former Rotherham Titans ace Simon Bunting, 38, starts as prop – but Newport will be relieved that well-travelled USA lock Luke Gross has been ruled out.

"If we allow them space they have the ex-Premiership players who can punish us," said Bletcher.

"If we stand off them they will start running through their drills and we'll get beaten. We have youth on our side, though.

"If we can move the ball quickly then I'm sure we can cause a bit of an upset.

"If we use our natural width – as we have at times in the league – then they will quickly get tried and start missing tackles.

"We'll give them the respect that they deserve but if we are allowed to impose our game plan then we'll be fine."

Ball carrier Vic Van Staden misses out for Newport after picking up a nasty knee injury in training last week.

Captain Craig Ingram is on his way back from injury but is only fit enough for a place on the bench.

Scrum half Ben Warrilow is also ruled out, but Newport at otherwise full strength.

Upwardly mobile Sheffield – who climbed the rugby pyramid with three consecutive promotions from 2004-05 to 2006-07 – are currently third in North One, four points behind leaders Westoe.

Sheffield, who have won the EDF Junior Vase twice in recent years in 2000 and 2004, are unbeaten at home this season – and Bletcher isn't concerned by his team's underdogs tags.

He said: "We go there as equals in my eyes but others seem to regard us as underdogs and we will not turn down that tag.

"I'm just hoping for a good performance and that the players enjoy the occasion because these days don't come around that often.

"The worst thing is to finish your playing days with regrets."

• Supporters coaches leave from Newport’s Forton Road ground at 9.30am tomorrow. Anyone interested in travelling to support the Fishes should contact Ray Price on 07929-863041. Seats are £5.

By Sean Wozencroft