History of Newport RFC :: 1874

"To-day we are proud to welcome the Combined Stellenbosch and Capetown Universities to Newport. This is their only fixture with a Welsh Union side. We trust that their visit will be enjoyable and full of interest, and the game, which after all is what they came here for, will be memorable alike to players and spectators."

"A week ago to-day practically all rugby playing fields were held in an icy grip. Precautions were taken here, and straw protected the ground, so all things being equal the playing conditions should be as perfect as humanly possible."

"Although our visitors are not an official full Springbok team, they can boast of names that are well-known in South Africa. James Starke, their skipper, is a candidate for the Springboks' tour of New Zealand this year - possibly as leader."

"Two forwards, D. Ackermann and G. Lockmer, are Internationals, and R. Lockyer, the Vice-Captain, and B. D. Pfaff have played in Springbok trials, and four others are junior Springboks. It is interesting when assessing the strength of the side that in 1953 they beat the Australian touring side, 27 points to 5 points and they only succumbed to the British Lions 20 points to 17 points, in what was voted the best match of the year."

"There are 23 players in the party, under the honorary managership of Mr. North Wells. The, tour has been financed by eight business houses in South Africa, and further money raised by an organising committee. Members of the party contributed £180 each towards the return boat-fare."

"University rugger in Great Britain has a special place in our hearts, so with the same spirit these young ambassadors of the handling code from South Africa, will most certainly not disappoint us."

"The "Lions" played with emphasis on back play on their recent visit to South Africa. They left the impression that attack by backs paid dividends and obviously play tended to be more open. To-day, granted good conditions, will show if the traditional Springbok play has undergone a transformation."

"On this whirlwind tour they have already played 12 games in Italy and France, winning 10 and losing 2, scoring 124 points against 96 points. They lost to Rovigo, the top Italian club, and the French International "B" fifteen at Toulouse."

"They were due to open their programme on British soil against a Combined Guy's and London Hospital XV, but, unfortunately, the weather was unkind so ihe game was postponed to 10 a.m. next Saturday, when Guy's only will provide the opposition. They will then be able to see the England v. Ireland game at Twickenham in the afternoon."

"Last Saturday, in conditions entirely foreign to them they beat Coventry, the number one team in England this season, by 11 points to 8 points, the same time wresting the Midlanders' 12 month old ground record."

"They conclude this tour at Birkenhead Park on February 14th."

"Wales, last Saturday, took a step further towards the mythical triple crown and it is only fitting that Newport is proud of its contribution to the success."

"To-night a members' dance will be held in the Gymnasium."

Although not an international team, the Combined Universities side, dubbed "The Sables", was made up of some of South Africa's brightest rugby talent and inflicted upon Newport their first defeat at home in a year and ended a run of seventeen successive victories.

Newport were without the services of Roy Burnett, Onllwyn Brace, Garfield Owen and Bryn Meredith but the exciting attacking rugby that the students played would have been a match for any team. Du Pleis and Ackerman each scored a try for the tourists. Malcolm Thomas scoring a try for the home side. Newport almost saved the game when a late Norman Morgan penalty attempt hit an upright.