Steve to lay down the Law as he expects a response from Cardiff

CARDIFF head coach Steve Law will be expecting a response from his men when they take to the field against Newport at the Arms

Park in the Principality Premiership this afternoon.

Law (right) told his players they needed to “take a good look at themselves” after last Saturday’s defeat at Llandovery where he felt his side failed to match the Drovers’ commitment and hunger.

The Blue and Blacks are also yet to cross the whitewash in their first two matches and sit with just one point so far having seen victory snatched away from them by Merthyr on the opening day of the season.

Law said: “To go into the third game of the season with nothing to show for our efforts is very disappointing and difficult to explain.

“We always look to how we perform each week and I was told by many before the Llandovery game that, on paper, we have a very strong side.

“Unfortunately the game is played on the pitch, not paper, and last week’s performance against the Drovers lacked the intensity and effort that befits a side representing Cardiff RFC.

“Games can be lost, but the manner in which they are lost is important, and last week was an embarrassing loss.”

Newport, meanwhile, will be looking to continue their perfect start to the season that has seen them take maximum points from the first two games.

The Black and Ambers backed up their bonus-point win at Carmarthen Quins with another five tries in a home victory over Bargoed last Sunday.

Fly-half Matt O’Brien has been in outstanding form so far, registering 19 points in both matches.

Craig Warlow’s side sit joint top of the division along with Pontypridd and RGC 1404 who also have maximum points from two matches.

Pontypridd are on the road this afternoon as they head to the Talbot Athletic Ground to face Aberavon – with the Wizards themselves looking to bounce back from a 19-17 reverse at Ebbw Vale having led 17-0 at the turnaround.

It’s one win and one defeat so far for the Wizards who beat Swansea in their first match.

RGC – after playing their opening match with Neath at Ruthin – return to their Stadiwm Zip World home today for the visit of Ebbw Vale – who have two wins and nine points so far.

Llandovery also have nine points and they will be looking to make it three from three at Bedwas this afternoon.

Meanhwhile Bargoed tackle Carmarthen Quins while Cross Keys welcome Neath to Pandy Park. Then, tomorrow, reigning champions Merthyr head west to Parc y Scarlets to face Llanelli.

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Leinster entertain Cardiff Blues at Donnybrook while Munster face the Ospreys in Swansea, with both games kicking off at 2pm.

The Dragons, meanwhile, are at home to Connacht in Ystrad Mynach, with that game kicking off at 2.30pm.