Rugby: Newport hope to cause national league upset

"We are treating it as a cup final and believe we can win" - that's the battlecry from Newport as they attempt to cause a stunning upset in National League Three Midlands tomorrow.

England World Cup winner Neil Back brings his Rugby Lions side to Forton Road as they aim to continue what appears a relentless charge to the title.

Back – who played 66 times for his country at flanker and went on three British Lions tours – shocked the rugby world by dropping to the fifth tier of English rugby in the summer.

But his gamble appears to be paying off as his side, which includes England Sevens star Ben Gollings as their player-coach, have won all eight of their games so far this season – notching a bonus point on each occasion and averaging over 60 points.

In contrast, Newport have won three of their eight games and went down 48-5 at South Leicester last week.

But team manager Gareth Davies believes his side have the potential to leave stun Back and his much-fancied squad.

"We are really looking forward to the game and we are seeing it as a cup final," said Davies.

"It's a big challenge and we know they are a side that probably wouldn't look out of place in National One or even the Championship.

"But we won a cup final against the odds last year (the North Midlands final against higher ranked Bromsgrove) and we want to try and do the same again.

"Midway through last season, we asked everyone to raise their game by five per cent and it happened.

"We are going to need to raise it by 10 or 15 per cent here but if we have a good day and they have an off day, then you never know."

Davies has urged his side not to be distracted by the presence of Back or his squad, many of whom have plied their trade at a higher level. "We are just looking forward to 80 minutes rugby," he added.

"We will give the Rugby Lions lads respect and treat them the same as we would any other team."

Newport are hoping for a bumper crowd with entry £5 for adults for the 3pm kick off. Children under 16 will be admitted free.

Hereford make the trip to Mansfield full of confidence after last week's 60-8 thumping of Manchester.

By JAMES GARRISON