Their Pool Four tie against the Black and Ambers at the Recreation Ground has been postponed twice already because of a frozen pitch. This time, though, cup organisers say the match must go ahead.

If the Rec were still unplayable the match may be played in Worcester or Bristol with a final decision due to be made at noon on Tuesday.

A capacity crowd of 8,200 had packed into the ground for Saturday's game only for the game to be called off 15 minutes before kick-off. Many fans went away disgruntled after the late postponement.

For Bath's England squad players - Steve Borthwick, Mike Tindall, Iain Balshaw, Matt Perry, Mark Regan and Mike Catt - the game will be good preparation for the forthcoming Six Nations contest against Wales.

Led by an inspired performance by outside-half Catt in their previous Heineken clash against Castres, Bath will be hoping to produce more of the same to avoid an early end to their European dream.

The team have scored more than 30 points in their last three league and cup games but will need to hit top form to have a chance of joining Gloucester and Leicester as the third English team in the last eight of the European competition.

Although Newport can go no further in the cup, they will be keen to do the double over Bath. When the teams met in October the Welsh side ran out 28-17 winners, with fly-half Shane Howarth starring in a fine performance.