OLD foes and close friends clash once more tomorrow when the opening fixtures in the new Premier Division throw up one of the great rivalries in Welsh rugby.

Newport and Pontypool clashes of old used to attract massive crowds, particularly to Pontypool Park in Pontypool's heyday.

It won't be that massive at Rodney Parade, but you can bet it will be the biggest crowd by far on opening day.

It is eight years and five months since the clubs last met in earnest in a league fixture, Newport winning 33-16. Since then the clubs have met four times in friendlies, Newport winning three and losing one.

But between October 1977 and September 1984 Newport lost a record 15 games in a row and took some hefty beatings, though overall they have won 61 and lost 54 of 129 meetings.

Pontypool's coach Steve Jones, has played for and coached both sides. Newport counterpart Leigh Jones once coached at Pontypool and the pair are brothers-in-law.

"I told him we'd win on Saturday and you couldn't print his reply," joked Steve. But he quickly added: "Leigh is a very good coach and I have great respect for him and for Newport as a club.

"I have enjoyed my time with both clubs and for me they are the two greatest in Welsh rugby. I'm sure the old rivalry will bring the fans out in droves.

"Obviously the rivalry won't be as great initially as it was, but in a few years, when the new division has bedded in, I'm sure it will be - and that's healthy for Welsh rugby which thrives on such rivalry."

After all their pre-season troubles with the threat of closure before a new consortium took over, Jones would have wished for an easier start.

"Because of the uncertainty we are probably a couple of weeks behind the other sides," he said.

Brother-in-law Leigh commented: "Pontypool, like Newport, are a proud club with a proud history and will pose problems.It's a new era and it's important we get off to the right start."

Pontypool: J Rowles, A Sliczny, B Jeffries, D Smith, J Griffin, S Lawrence, N Lloyd, D Smith, J Griffin, S Lawrence, N Lloyd, A N Other, N Giles, U Moa, C Powell, M Morgan, D Gibbs, C Trayhern, A Howarth. Replacements: G Jenkins, R Jenkins, J Viner/G Gunter, R Miller, G Mason, D Ogg, M Rosser. Meet leisure centre 12 noon for 12.30pm departure. Early bird tickets are still available (tel 01495-755557).

Newport: S Tuipulotu, C Richards, R Payne, S Williams, W Kershaw-Naylor, D Griffiths, L Lane, I George, J Richards, G Robinson, C Billen, M Veater, S Waldron, R Dale, G Gravell. Replacements: R Thomas, G Horrigan, A Cox, M Tucker, A Jarrett, C Thomas, R Shorney. Kick-off 2.30pm.