From the match programme:-
"CLUB NOTES"
"Although dissapointed that the Club are not allocated a fixture in their own right with the New Zealand Touring Team, everyone at Rodney Parade is confident that their visit to play Gwent on Wednesday 29th November, 1978, will be a memorable one. With the county selectors out with their note books looking for talent, our players will be keen to hit top form early. Already Chris Webber, David Burcher, Gareth Evans, Brynmor Williams, Jeff Watkins and Geoff Evans are being talked of as possibles for the team, while it must not be forgotten that Ken Davies, Neil Brown, Keith James (now back in training following his cartilage operation during the summer) Jim Dale, Rhys Morgan, Tony Mogridge and Bryan Lease have all played for the county. It is certain that Rodney Parade regulars will have plenty to support on the 29th."
"To get everyone in the right mood for what should be a memorable game, the Football Committee, are organising a Social Evenings in the Rodney Hall on Tuesday, 28th November, 1978. The Newport Male Voice Choir will be In attendance and it is anticipated that numerous groups of New Zealanders who will be following the tour will be present. Make a note in your diaries and come along and tell those 'All Blacks' who beat them In 1963."
"Another date for your diaries is Friday, 10th November, the eve of the Wales v New Zealand game. A Grand Fund Raising Evening has been organised to take place at the Double Diamond Club, Caerphilly, Tickets are £3.50 each and the Cabaret will be provided by Tom O'Connor. Why not get in touch with Campbell Black and organise a party. Remember, all the profits go into the Players Tour Fund!!!"
"The Football Committee are once again Indebted to Umbro International for their sponsorship of our clothing for this season and to Alcan Metals for their sponsorship of all the Match Balls. Both these sponsors save the club a great deal of money during a season. A special word of thanks must also be expressed to all those people who have taken out advertising space In our Match programmes, their continued support Is greatly appreciated."
"Next Wednesday sees our first battle with Welsh opposition this season, when we travel up the Eastern Valley to play our great rivals Pontypool. We are certain of a hot reception with 'Poola' determined to continue where they left of at the Park last season, when they beat us by 36 Pts. to 7 Pts. Both teams can be certain of great support, Black and Amber supporters will be looking to Geoff Evans to get total commitment from which ever fifteen are selected and to remember that it was only two years ago since we returned down the valley with a 21 Pts. to 9 Pts. victory."
"WELCOME TO RODNEY PARADE"
"Last season to-day's visitors became the first team to defeat the Black and Ambers when they won at the Memorial Ground on the 10th September, by 13 Pts. to 9 Pts. Newport got their revenge at Rodney Parade on the 3rd December, with a 21 Pts. to 7 Pts. victory. The overall record between the two clubs now reach Played 141 Newport winning 96 Bristol 37 and 8 being Drawn. It is interesting to note that the Blue and Whites have not won at Rodney Parade since the 1972-73 season, so to-nights team are well aware of the task that awaits them."
"Formed in 1888-89, the Bristol Club have made a great contribution to West Country and English rugby. The names of their former internationals make great reading, it includes Len Corbett, Sam Tucker, Don Burland, John Thome, John Pullin, David Watt, Dave Rollit, Bill Redwood, Richard Sharp and Peter Knight. While the present playing squad contains Ken Plummer, Alan Morley and Mike Rafter."
"Games between our two clubs over the last decade have epitomised rugby at its best. Both teams have handled and run with the ball at all times, keeping the supporters of both teams cheering with excitement. It is certain that this afternoons teams will be well aware of the standards they have to live up to, but if they produce flat out action everyone at Rodney Parade will go home happy."
"Like our players, the Blue and Whites are obviously well aware that their performances are being watched closely by the selectors for the South and South West XV who will play the All Blacks at the Memorial Ground Bristol on Wednesday 15th November, 1978. We wish them well and hope that the Bristol Club are well represented in the game."
"A great deal of water has travelled down the Severn since our two clubs first met in 1888-89, and it is not true that Arthur Cornish had 'the Bridge' built to save expenses. Long may our friendship continue both on and off the field.
"Welcome Bristol, you are well aware of what awaits you on 'the Parade' but we are confident that to-days game will find a place alongside those other memorable encounters between our clubs."