"Club Notes"
"Following the very promising start made to the season, defeats at the hands of Bristol and Pontypool have proved a severe setback. With the All Blacks fixture only five weeks away the selectors will be viewing the return of the "injury hoodoo" to Rodney Parade with a great deal of trepidation. The injury list once again looks like 'Emergency Ward 10' and contains captain Geoff Evans, vice-captain Gareth Evans, Phil Ward, Phil Waters, Robert Ackerman, Rhys Morgan, Julian Robinson and his brother Justin."
"The recent injury sustained by Gareth Evans, once again puts the career of this talented player in doubt. Having fought his way back into the Welsh Squad with a great deal of determination, everyone at Rodney Parade wishes him well when he visits Harley Street for an examination this week. His presence in the Black and Amber back division is vital."
"The players wish to thank Mrs. Nancy Harper for her excellent effort in running the prize draw at each home game and all members and supporters who purchase tickets. The draw is organised on behalf of the Players Tour Fund."
"Newport Rugby Committee and players wish to express their appreciation to Newport Supporters Club who have generously sponsored tonights match ball. Anyone who wishes to make a similar offer to the Club, or any other form of sponsorship is requested to contact either the Programme Editor or Campbell Black."
"Welcome to Rodney Parade"
"This evening we extend a very warm Rodney Parade welcome to our first All Black visitors of the season. Neath ended last season with a fine victory here by 12 pts. to 6 pts., which gave them "the double" following their 31 pts. to 10 pts. victory at the Gnoll. They will obviously be anxious to carry on the success story with a high-powered performance on the field, especially following their display versus Cardiff a week ago."
"Coach, Martyn Davies, must be pleased with the progress of the many new faces in the team, and also with the appointment of former Neath and Wales prop forward Ron Waldron, to help with the coaching duties. Both coaches gave a great deal to the Neath Club as players and it is certain that as a combination they will give the same dedication and enthusiasm in the field of coaching."
"Victories over Abertillery, South Wales Police and Cardiff, have certainly given Neath officials hopes that the season ahead will provide a great deal of success for the Club and also erase some of the poor form displayed in recent seasons."
"Wing three-quarter, Elgan Rees, has retained his place in the National Team, although coming under the microscope by every critic in Wales. His speed and elusiveness causes a great deal of disarray in opposing defences and it is certain he will receive support from full-back Jonathan Griffiths, fellow wing Bleddyn Taylor, centre Don Davies and half-backs Cerith Thomas and Carl Gnojek. Up front a player who is quickly making his presence felt is flank forward Peter Jones, to be compared with Alan Dix is praise indeed."
"Welcome Neath, we are certain tonight's game will be every bit as hard as the one we will play against those other 'All Blacks' on 28th October."