1980-81 under Geoff Evans, leading Newport for a 5th time, started off in fine style with victories over Penarth Coventry and Bath with a young back division. Unfortunately injuries, key player availability and inconsistency meant only 4 of the next 10 matches were won as Newport prepared for the visit of the All Blacks on 28th October 1980.

One of the wins was vs Gloucester at Rodney Parade by 38 v 6 in which young wing Robert Ackerman equalled the club record of 6 tries held by Tommy Spittle (1878) and George Andrews (1922). Captain Geoff Evans who had led Newport vs 1973 All Blacks inspired his pack and team against the All Blacks to a magnificent performance only to lose 3 v 14 largely due to missed kicks and a charged down try.

Only 6 wins came from the next 20 matches and there was also a humiliating 0 v 3 defeat in the 1st round of the Welsh Cup at Penclawdd. During this period coach Alun Thomas relinquished his role due to pressure of work and was replaced by David Ford. There were only 4 defeats in the final 13 games and some of the depression over Rodney Parade started to lift.

Geoff Evans was hampered by his old knee injury but enhanced his reputation as a player and captain and Robert Ackerman was picked to play for Wales vs New Zealand. Colin Smart regained his England place, wing John Churchill won a Wales B cap while David Waters and youngster Stuart Barnes were part of Wales squad.