A depleted Newport pack with 4 regulars missing were overrun at the Talbot Athletic Ground in the 1st half. Newport had 4 hookers injured or unavailable and were forced to borrow former England international and 37yrs old John Thorne from Cleve, Somerset

The experiment of playing reserve 2nd row Mike McKenzie at loose-head was a disaster and Jim Dale was forced to switch from tight head in the 2nd half. While McKenzie was at loose-head, Newport lost 6 strikes against the head but only one was lost after Dale had switched and Thorne did well under difficult circumstances. Newport backs wasted the few chances they had and a times Keih James was unsure whether or not to run, kick or pass! The three-quarters never functioned and were often caught out with overlaps with two of Aberavon?s tries coming in this way.