NEWPORT must go to lowly Neath in the right frame of mind after having their “pants pulled down” by a struggling Llanelli side last month.

That’s the view of Black and Ambers head coach Craig Warlow ahead of his team’s trip to the Gnoll tomorrow (kick-off 2.30pm).

The hosts are yet to win this season and sit rock bottom of the Principality Premiership after eight straight defeats.

But as Warlow knows all too well, nothing can be taken for granted against a wounded animal.

Newport went to Parc y Scarlets on September 30 to face a Llanelli outfit who had begun the campaign with four consecutive losses.

However, the form book was turned upside down as Newport headed home having suffered a 30-17 reverse.

And Warlow is wary of something similar happening this weekend.

“Neath are going to win a game one day, we just don’t want it to be against us,” he said.

“We had our pants pulled down against Llanelli when they hadn’t won a game.

“I think that is in the back of everyone’s minds so we need to turn up at Neath in the right frame of mind.”

He added: “Things have gone pretty well for us so far.

“Any coach will tell you they probably should have won more than they have.

“The really pleasing thing for us against Bridgend last week was the way our set-piece went.

“Having your scrum and lineout go well is important going into the middle third of the season when the pitches become heavy.”

Back-rower and club captain Rhys Jenkins made a return from injury off the bench during the 28-17 defeat of the Ravens.

Warlow says he will be pushing for a place in the starting XV after shaking off a few bumps and bruises.

Newport are seventh in the Premiership.