From the match programme:-
"WELCOME THE FALCONS"
"By Willis Huntley"
"Newport rugby team face a hectic 15 days, for during this short period they will be engaged in four matches, three involving overseas opposition, in the Challenge Trophy, which is virtually an international tournament."
"Today’s match against The Gauteng Falcons is the first of the two against teams from South Africa. In the second, on January 20th, they will meet the Transvaal Blue Bulls."
"Both these teams will be making their first appearance at Rodney Parade. Newport, however, have had a long association with national and other powerful teams from South Africa. In fact, it was as far back as 1906 when Newport entertained Paul Roos’ Second Springboks, who beat them 9-3."
"Since then Newport have played the South African national team - the Springboks - five times and have succeeded in defeating them twice."
"Besides the Springboks, Newport have received visits from a number of other teams from South Africa. Among them were the combined Stellenbosch and Capetown Universities, the South African Barbarians, Transvaal, and Natal University."
"The South African Barbarians fielded a multi-racial combination which included that outstanding outside half Errol Tobias, who went on to play for South Africa in two Tests against Ireland in 1981."
"Back in 1973 Newport strengthened their links with South Africa by carrying out a six-match tour of that country. They played Natal, Transvaal, Northern Transvaal, Rhodesia, South Eastern Transvaal and Western Province."
"Today’s visitors The Falcons, have a reputation for playing skilful, though forceful rugby, and Newport will have their work cut out to keep them in check!"
"CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE . . ."
"A very warm welcome to all our supporters for what I hope will be a Happy, Prosperous and Successful 1999."
"The New Year has certainly started with a bang, although everyone connected with the club certainly suffered with nerves after our win over high-riding Ebbw Vale on Saturday last. At least one person will be highly delighted with the outcome - Shaun Connor - as it was his sure-footed drop goal that secured our win, albeit seven minutes into extra time. They always say that a player's class shines through when all he undertakes seems to go wrong, but he is still capable of winning the game with a flash of inspiration. I certainly hope that Shaun can build on his game because since the first time I saw him I always believed he had what it takes. I am still of that belief and I certainly hope this could be the kick-start he requires."
"Well today sees the start of the Challenge Trophy and today we have formidable opponents in the Gauteng Falcons from South Africa. I really do hope the support for this tournament justifies its place in Welsh Rugby's calendar and that it does prove to be the initiative Welsh Rugby needs; forget the bickering and get on with the game is, I am sure, what you the supporters want. Our opponents in the tournament are quite formidable... The Falcons, Romania, Northern Bulls and, of course, our 'North of the Border' Glasgow Caledonians. It is also time for the players to justify all the hard work of Allan Lewis/Steve Jones and all the support staff who have contributed behind the scenes, by providing the type of game Allan and Steve want and what I'm sure, with confidence, the team are capable of producing - Winning Rugby!! I certainly hope so."
"Rodney Parade must now become FORT Rodney - teams must be made to realise that it's not the place to have an easy time; the supporters demand it and the team must start to produce it."
"The National side's tide seems to be turning and if Ebbw Vale's game here is anything to go by Newport's tide, too, must start to turn."
"I'm sure our visitors will be most welcome, and although the winter weather will be perhaps to our advantage their reputation on the World Stage is without question and our boys will soon realise they are World Class."
"May the best side win . . . and you who know me will soon realise, "you believe that you'll believe anything !!" ... UP THE PORT!"
"DAVID WATKINS"