From the match programme:
"Club Notes"
"The following contribution by John Lodwick, composed prior to last Saturday's game, sums up the feelings of everyone at Rodney Parade, regarding the selection of Robert Ackerman to play for Wales."
"With great delight we heard the news,
The team had been selected,
There's three surprises so he said,
With two new Caps elected."
"We waited as he read the names,
And we didn't wait for long,
"Left-wing ? Robert Ackerman"
That was our cue for song."
"So, "Well done Robert" ? we all say,
"The Port is proud of you,
You show those 'Blacks' on Saturday,
And grab a try or two." "
"Next Saturday we set out on the Cup Trail once again and, following our success during recent years in this competition, we will be hoping for a victory when we travel to Centenary celebrating Penclawdd. Remember, your vocal support could prove vital against a village famous for cockles and 'Nye' Williams."
"Two dates to put in your diaries for November are as follows: Friday, 14th November - a Cheese and Wine Evening in the Rodney Hall, tickets ?1.00 each, commencing 8.00 p.m.; Wednesday, 26th November - Rothmans Rugby Centenary Quiz, when the home team take on Tylorstown, Crumlin and Taffs Well for a place in the last 32, commencing 8,00 p.m."
"Welcome to Rodney Parade"
"This afternoon we extend a very warm welcome to Rosslyn Park, who are experiencing a fine season. Formed in 1879, 'the Park' celebrated their Centenary last year under the captaincy of Keith Roach and achieved the following record: P39 W26 D2 Lll For 720 A389. Included in that record is the heaviest defeat ever inflicted on Newport by 'the Park', when they won at Roehampton by 28 pts. to Nil. The club were obviously hoping to mark their Centenary by winning the John Player Cup but, unfortunately, although their semi-final versus London Irish ended in a 6 all draw, the Exiles went through to the final as 'the away side'."
"This season 'the Park' are captained by back row forward Neil Mantell, who played for England versus Australia in 1975. He has under his control a team that has the ideal balance behind and in front, and who are admirably controlled at half back. Up front Keith Roach, Rod Montgomery, the fast developing Paul Ackford and England stalwart Andy Ripley ? the Club's most capped player with 24 caps provide support for the skipper, while Peter Warfield and top points scorer Mike Greenhalgh are a fine centre combination in support of John Ager and D. Cullen."
"Last Saturday they defeated the Dark Blues at Iffley Road by 20 pts. to 4 pts. to prove that they are in good shape for today's visit."
"On their last visit to Rodney Parade, which incidentally took place on a Sunday, the Red and Whites were defeated by 12 pts. to 3 pts., with Newport's points coming from a John Churchill try and 2 penalty goals and a conversion from David Barry."
"Welcome Rosslyn Park ? meetings between our two clubs have been few but we are certain that following last season's fine victory you will be endeavouring to achieve your first ever victory at Rodney Parade this afternoon."
"The Rugby Scene"
"The strains of 'Now is the Hour' at Cardiff Arms Park last Saturday afternoon ended the Centenary Tour of the New Zealand 'All Blacks' to Wales and, although the result was a disaster for our rugby-loving country, everyone at Rodney Parade was delighted with the marvellous debut of Robert Ackerman in a Welsh jersey. It is certain that his display, although curtailed by injury, will ensure him of a permanent place in the Welsh XV in years ahead. He could well emulate Ken Jones and Stuart Watkins, who gained 44 and 26 caps respectively."
"Graham Mourie and his outstanding All Black side certainly exposed the quality of Welsh rugby during their tour. Asked to play 4 of the top club sides in the principality, plus the International XV, all within two weeks has always been considered an impossible mission, but Mourie and his team dedicated themselves to achieving the impossible and returned home this week Invincible. No longer can Overseas Touring Teams complain about the intensity of itineraries ? the proof of the matter reads: Played 5, Won 5, scoring 16 tries with only 1 against."
"If the pride of Welsh rugby has been severely dented, everyone at Rodney Parade on October 28th must have been delighted with the tremendous commitment and courage showed by Geoff Evans and his team of "no hopers". They certainly maintained the Black and Amber tradition of rising to the occasion and it is difficult, in his long career with the Club,to remember the captain himself ever playing a better game. Although senior international honours have evaded Geoff, mainly due to the serious knee injuries he has sustained, it is hoped that his loyalty and personal commitment to the Newport Club will be rewarded before his playing career ends."
"We thank the All Blacks for coming and leaving behind such fine memories of an outstanding rugby team and trust that all those responsible for reshaping the game that means so much to the people of Wales will have learnt a great deal for the future development of the game from your visit."