Newport host London Irish in the Heineken Cup boosted by the return of two Wales internationals.
Jason Jones-Hughes and Ian Gough are back in the starting XV against an Irish side targeting a vital away victory.
"London Irish have been playing at a high level throughout the autumn international series, and we noted their recent win against Leicester," said Newport team manager Jim McCready.
"They are a quality team, whose current position in the Zurich Premiership belies their true quality.
"For us, it is as though the season starts again for us this weekend, and I know the players intend to make an impact. We must win to keep alive any hopes of doing anything in the Heineken Cup."
Meanwhile, Irish make two changes to the team that played Gloucester.
Rob Hardwick comes in for Simon Halford at tight head prop while Glenn Delaney replaces second rower Nick Kennedy, who is not registered to play in the competition.
Geoff Appleford (knee), Kevin Burke (knee), and Bob Casey (foot) are all missing.