Supreme Chiefs a new challenge (From Campaign Series)

Supreme Chiefs a new challenge

10:50am Friday 20th November 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

NEWPORT skipper Andrew Coombs is relishing a step into the unknown this evening when he leads his side into battle against Exeter at Rodney Parade.

There isn’t the element of surprise when coming up against their Welsh rivals – teams tend to know what’s coming when ready to take on Swansea, Aberavon or Cross Keys.

But the Black and Ambers venture into new territory when the Chiefs roll into town.

They have never played a competitive fixture against the side from Devon and they won’t see quite so many familiar faces at the breakdown, scrum and line-out.

However, a look at the English Championship table tells them all they need to know – Exeter have won all 11 games, have scored the most tries and have the best defensive record.

It is a challenge that 25-year-old Coombs, who has missed just one game this season, is relishing.

“This tournament is going to be like an exam because we are going to have to work out teams that we are not used to playing against and we’ll have to think on our feet,” said the influential number eight.

“The last few years we have just been playing local rugby against local teams and a lot of the time you know what you are going to get, but you always want to play against people you don’t know.

“It’s like a game of Cluedo, trying to piece together all of the information! But after looking at their website they are all 17-stone plus so we expect them to be a big side with a physical pack.

“But it is really exciting to have Exeter first up with them having won 11 out of 11. What better way to start than against one of the best in the tournament at Rodney Parade?”

The tournament has raised questions about putting semi-professional players against English full-timers and the powerful Irish provinces.

Munster A have named Irish squad members Denis Hurley and Felix Jones in their team to take on Coventry but Coombs is unruffled by going up against the big guns.

“For me, I am not too bothered about going up against full-time players because I know that there are a lot of boys in our side who could make that step up to be a professional,” said Coombs.

“Some maybe haven’t had an opportunity or didn’t cut the mustard at some stage or perhaps haven’t had luck with injuries.

“This gives another chance to show what we can do and shine on this stage.

“No matter what age you are you aspire to go one better and hopefully this competition will provide the chance to put ourselves in the shop window.

“Fitness-wise I don’t think it will trouble us, I suppose it will be whether there is a step up in intensity but I back us to rise to the occasion.

“It’s a great opportunity for the players that want to achieve more and we can’t wait. Hopefully we will get a good crowd in and we will play some good rugby to entertain them.”

Newport hand a start to Dragons academy centre Matthew Pewtner, who usually plies his trade at Cross Keys, while exciting young blindside flanker Toby Faletau has to be content with a place on the bench.

The 19-year-old, another who plays at Pandy Park, came on for the Dragons in their Magners League win in Edinburgh and also came off the bench in the LV Cup games against Sale and Leicester.

He is tipped for the top and his performances caught the eye of the Ospreys, however his inclusion does mean that Richard Dale misses out.

Chris Wannell wins the battle for the number 10 jersey and Alex Walker will be his half-back partner while rapid openside Craig Hill makes a welcome return.

Newport: G Wyatt, R Owen, R Payne, M Pewtner, A Awcock, C Wannell, A Walker, D Pattison, A Brown, G Robinson, D Rosser, A Jones, S Waldron, C Hill, A Coombs (captain). Replacements: A Quick, DGriffiths, N Williams, I Evans, M Leaman, A Frampton, T Faletau.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)