South Wales Echo

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“It’s always a tough place to go, but we’ve had many games there and know the challenge is a big one.

“But it’s something we look forward to and go there with confidence on the back of some good results recently and, with the way both teams play, then it should be an entertaini­ng game.”

Before the late kick-off at Sardis Road, the other Premiershi­p contenders will all be looking to continue their title charge.

Leaders Merthyr entertain Bridgend at the Wern.

The reigning champions, having lost their 100 per cent record in the combined league against Newport a fortnight ago, were then given an almighty scare by Llanelli last Saturday – but managed to prevail 44-43.

The Ravens, meanwhile, then ended Newport’s perfect start to the second phase at the Brewery Field last weekend and will have nothing to lose against the Ironmen.

Elsewhere, Carmarthen Quins head to Bedwas looking to bounce back from defeat at home by Cardiff, while RGC 1404 travel south to Parc y Scarlets to face Llanelli.

The other games see Cross Keys hosting Bargoed and Ebbw Vale locking horns with Swansea.

There is also one game tomorrow and it is at Rodney Parade, where Newport entertain Neath (2.30pm). WHEN it comes to the Wales rugby team, this has been a season when faces that haven’t fitted for a long time have looked like they should have been part of the furniture.

More than that, they’ve actually been some of THE success stories of Warren Gatland’s squads.

There’s been Owen Williams – even though his overdue autumn prominence was followed by Six Nations anonymity – Aaron Shingler, Josh Navidi, James Davies... all were previously regarded as extremely hard done by to miss out, but they suddenly got their big chance.

Most grabbed it with both hands, particular­ly Shingler and Navidi.

But when it comes to the Test selection mix, the mantle of unluckiest player 2017-18 rests squarely on the shoulders of one man: Thomas Young.

That the Wasps back-row man has not even featured in an extended Wales squad this campaign has been absolutely extraordin­ary.

So, how has Young ended up in such an unfortunat­e position? How has he become the forgotten man of the Wales set-up? Here’s the inside track on his predicamen­t...

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