"SCENE SETTER"
"An editorial preface to today's game"
"Newport's recent elimination from the Cup by Penclawdd will have found an immediately sympathetic response in all senior clubs, for most remember only too vividly how perilously they have survived on occasions against the so-called 'minnows' of the competition. Llanelli, for their part, shudder at the very names Ystradgynlais, Taff's Well and Rhymney!"
"For a variety of reasons, the Black-and-Ambers will not have cause to reflect on the last couple of seasons with any real joy, but the club's determination to recover from recent setbacks is reinforced by a long and enviable tradition of great achievement and it will not be long, one can be sure, before Newport are restored to the pinnacle of Welsh rugby."
"In the process of rehabilitation, a great deal depends on the character and calibre of the senior players, and Newport are fortunate to have men of the quality of Geoff Evans, Leighton Davies, Gareth Evans and Colin Smart to provide thenecessary stability."
"Geoff Evans is leading Newport for the fifth season - equalling a club record held by W. Phillips from the 1880s. Leighton Davies recently moved into second place in the overall points-scoring records of the Newport club, and his present total of 878 points puts him within reach of Norman Morgan's club record of 951 points."
"Gareth Evans, this season's vice-captain, must be considered one of the unluckiest players in Welsh rugby though, ironically, the hamstring injury he suffered before the Newport and Wales games against the All Blacks gave his young club-mate Robert Ackerman the chance to win his first cap - an opportunity he took eagerly and with great determination."
"Colin Smart, like Evans, is a former Newport captain and, again, has suffered greatly with injuries. He, too, missed his club's match against the All Blacks - a game in which Newport showed steadfastness and resolve of a high calibre."
"The Black-and-Ambers and the Scarlets have met on 148 occasions previously, with Newport winning 76 games, Llanelli 49, and with 23 matches ending as draws. Last season, the Scarlets achieved the 'double', winning ten-six at Rodney Parade and 19-3 at Stradey."
"Like Newport, the Scarlets have been going through an unsettled period, but the Cup victory over Kenfig Hill re-kindled the hope that the team can achieve fresh distinction In this competition."
"Success depends on ability, of course, but it is a matter of attitude and application as well. Llanelli brought these elements together impressively in matches against Swansea and New Zealand in October. Now they have the task of binding them together again - and this time with the added virtue of consistency."
"Waunarlwydd will be the visitors in the next round of the Cup on December 20. Before then, the Scarlets have a home match with Ebbw Vale (December 13) and away games with Northampton (next Saturday) and Cardiff in a re-arranged fixture, on Wednesday, December 17."
"GARETH HUGHES"