Even without Lions Rob Howley, Neil Jenkins, David Young and Martyn Williams, all sidelined, they subdued a disappointing Black and Ambers outfit.

Nicky Robinson dives over for his match winning try

Newport's new South African coach Ian MacIntosh, in charge for the first time, clearly has a lot to work on, whether proposed new signing Joost van der Westhuizen arrives or not.

Fly-half Shane Howarth, in contrast to Robinson, had a miserable match, missing two easy penalty chances early on and looking uncomfortable as playmaker.

MacIntosh substituted him 10 minutes from time, and his replacement, recent signing Jason Strange immediately kicked a touch-line conversation of Pini's try, but Newport had left themselves with too much to do.

Robinson apart, Cardiff's outstanding performers were their former Northampton centre Matt Allen and Bristol forward Jim Brownrigg.

Brownrigg, currently on loan from the West Country club to try and rectify Cardiff's chronic back-row injury problems, produced a towering display in the lineouts.

After Robinson had booted an early penalty, Rogers was dispatched by referee Steve Lander and Newport capitalised on their one-man advantage as Marinos surged through a huge gap for a score which Howarth improved.

But once Allen gathered Robinson's delightful pass to claim a try 10 minutes before half-time, Cardiff stepped up a gear.

A further Robinson penalty before the break, followed by his jinking run and score on 54 minutes meant that Newport had a mountain to climb, and it proved beyond them.

Pini's try caused a few nerves in the Cardiff's camp, but with the likely return of Howley and Young in the next fortnight, their season now looks to be underway.

Newport, meanwhile, have some serious soul-searching to do, although their cause would clearly be helped considerably if van der Westhuizen takes up his one-year contract.

Cardiff (13) 20 Tries: Allen, N Robinson. Cons: N Robinson 2. Pens: N Robinson 2.

Newport (7) 14 Tries: Pini, Marinos. Cons: Howarth, Strange.

Cardiff: Rhys Williams; Craig Hudson, Matt Allen, Pieter Muller, Andrew Henry; Nick Robinson, Ryan Powell; Peter Rogers, Greg Woods, Ken Fourie, Craig Quinnell, John Tait (capt), Rob Appleyard, Greg Kacala, Jim Brownrigg.
Replacements: Chris Miller, Nick Wakley, Paul Jones, Spencer John, Andrew Lewis, Dan McShane, Robin Sowden-Taylor.

Newport: Matt Pini; Matt Mostyn, Matthew Watkins, Andy Marinos, Ben Breeze; Shane Howarth, Dale Burn; Rod Snow, Paul Young, Adrian Garvey, Simon Raiwalui (capt), Mike Voyle, Peter Buxton, Jason Forster, Alix Popham.
Replacements: Chris Anthony, James Richards, Gareth Taylor, Joe Powell, Jon Pritchard, Jason Strange, Llyr Lane.

Referee: Steve Lander (RFU)