From the match programme:-
"WELCOME TO THE PARADE"
"THIS AFTERNOON we extend a very warm Rodney Parade welcome to Jonathan Davies and his unbeaten Neath team. They have commenced the season in fine style and 'MJW' and his team will be aware that the "All Blacks" scored a half century of points on their previous visit to Gwent this season, and last Saturday handed out a comprehensive beating to Cardiff at The Gnoil. Team Manager Brian Thomas will be looking to the team maintaining their impressive early form throughout the season and not falling away as they did last season."
"Skipper Jonathan Davies is undoubtedly one of the most exciting players in the current game, and Rodney Parade fans will be hoping that he leads his team today, having recovered from the hamstring suffered last Saturday. He will be anxious to captain his side against 'MJW', who accompanied him on a short visit to South Africa last season when they played in an International Sevens Tournament at Durban. Jonathan has a superbly balanced team under his control ... at full back Paul Thorburn displays all his talents as well as adding a conveyor belt supply of points with his prodigious goal kicking. The three quarters have guile and pace from the likes of Elgan Rees, Graham Davies, Steve Powell, Richie Griffiths and latest recruit Colin Laity, while up front in the front five positions players like Stuart Evans, Mike Richards, Huw Richards and Barry Clegg give a fine back row of Phil Pugh, Mark Jones and Lyn Jones the platform to either attack the opposition or lend support to the three quarters. In the vital link position of scrum half the team have the diminutive Carl Gnoek, who continues to prove a handful of rugby dynamite for opposing back rows."
"During recent seasons both clubs have achieved victories at home while losing away games and, on checking the records, it is interesting to note that Neath last won here at Rodney Parade on 18th September 1982 (14-6) while in the same season, 29th January 1983, Newport achieved their last victory at The Gnoll by 12-9. The next 80 minutes will decide if the current sequence is broken, but we are confident that the game will provide top quality rugby whatever the result. Welcome, Neath."
"Last Wednesday the 'Pontypool Hoodoo' once again struck the Black and Ambers, and following a game that never reached any great heights of rugby excellence, even though the large crowd present at Pontypool Park created an exciting atmosphere, 'MJW' and his team lost their unbeaten record. There is no doubt that the captain will be using all his inspirational powers this afternoon to ensure his team get back on the winning trail and maintain their impressive record here at Rodney Parade. 'Lady Luck' has deserted the Black and Ambers regarding injuries in recent weeks, with both experienced prop forwards John Rawlins and Rhys Morgan being sidelined. John hopes to be available for selection next week, while Rhys hopes to return from a fortnight's holiday fit enough to reclaim his place."
"Congratulations to Jonathan Callard, Jason White, Frank Hillman and Glen George on their selection for the County Under 23 squad, and everyone here at Rodney Parade is confident that they will make the team and enhance their chances of further honours."
"While the 1st team were suffering their first defeat at Pontypool Park last Wednesday evening, the United led by Keith James were achieving their first victory of the season by defeating Pontypool Athletic here at Rodney Parade in a pulsating finish by 20pts to 19pts, after leading by 17-6 at half time - the winning score being a Keith James special to match the one he had dropped earlier in the game."
"The Selection Committee realise the heavy commitment the 1st XV have during the first month of the season and have wisely rested players at the appropriate time. This policy is bound to benefit the club and players as the season progresses and will no doubt please Wales Coach Tony Gray, who was present at Pontypool Park."
"Football Secretary Doug Ackerman is still a patient in the Royal Gwent Hospital following his serious accident. We wish him well and hope he is able to return home this week."