TEAM NEWS: Tough calls made as Newport and Ebbw Vale clash in Premiership semis

NEWPORT field influential forward Josh Skinner at blindside flanker in the Premiership semi-final against Ebbw Vale on Saturday evening.

The Black and Ambers have opted to shift him to his natural position at 6 due to the return of lock Barny Langton-Cryer.

The promising second-rower joins forces with experienced ex-Dragons skipper Rynard Landman at Spytty Park (kick-off 5.15pm).

Skinner has made 22 appearances this season with the 29-year-old starting in the second row on 19 occasions.

Head coach Ty Morris had a number of selection headaches and opts for Josh Reid at openside in a trio with Skinner and captain Ben Roach.

Fit-again Jonny Morris misses out with Joe Westwood and Chay Foster-Smith paired in midfield while Elliot Frewen, Lloyd Lewis and David Richards form a rapid back three.

Jason Strange also had some tough calls for his XV, which is led by influential hooker Joe Franchi.

Ebbw will look for their top-quality half-back partnership of former Dragons, Bath and Scarlets scrum-half Jonathan Evans and prolific Evan Lloyd to guide them around the park.

Lloyd, who kicked 23 points in the Steelmen’s 28-20 win in Newport earlier in the season, returns to fly-half after recently featuring at full-back to allow Kieran Meek to pull the strings.

He will aim to get a back line moving that features powerful Wales Under-20s winger Harry Rees-Weldon and a tough midfield duo of former Newport man Dom Franchi and Ethan Phillips.

Up front, former Dragons loosehead Luke Garrett makes his 100th appearance for the Steelmen while lock Dylan Bartlett brings up his half-century.

Newport: David Richards; Lloyd Lewis, Chay Foster-Smith, Joe Westwood, Elliot Frewen; Matt O'Brien, Che Hope; Thomas Davies, Henry Palmer, Nathan Evans, Rynard Landman, Barny Langton-Cryer, Josh Skinner, Josh Reid, Ben Roach (captain).

Replacements: Wade Langley, Josh Reynolds, Garin Harris, Lewis David, Kyle Tayler, Dafydd Buckland, Jac Lloyd, Carwyn Penny.

Ebbw Vale: Morgan Richards; Harry Rees-Weldon, Ethan Phillips, Dom Franchi, Ryan Gardner; Evan Lloyd, Jonathan Evans; Luke Garrett, Joe Franchi, Adam Court, Dylan Bartlett, Curtis Gregory, Lewis Young, Ben Main, Ryan Jenkins.

Replacements: TBC.

Referee: Keith David.