PERCY Montgomery has admitted that Welsh rugby is not quite the same as the Southern Hemisphere hothouse after completing his first run-out for Newport at Rodney Parade last night.
On a cold night, 50-times capped South African Montgomery played at full-back in the Black and Amber jersey in front of 2,198 fans, an amazing turn-out for a second team match between Newport United and Swansea Athletic.
But Monty admitted to a lot of ring rustiness after his long season in South Africa and is still learning the Black and Ambers' pattern of play.
He said: "Fitness is still there and I have just got to sharpen up again. I have a few weeks to prepare (before the next competitive match for which he is eligible, Newport's Welsh League game against Bridgend on December 21).
"Hopefully, I can get a bit of ball away and get the backs running and hopefully we can get some wins for the spectators.
"I feel a bit rusty but it was just a friendly game after all. I've not played a game for a month-and-a-half and it has been like a pre-season since I came over here so I've still got a bit to do."
And, of the Welsh scene, he said: "It's good physically and it's good to get stuck in. I haven't known the way the team play so I've had to learn a bit of that.
"I've only had two training sessions so it's a rude awakening to get stuck in straight away. You have got to understand your players around you and it was my first contact session as well.
"But to play in this game really is a case of the sooner the better as you get to know the guys around you and the guys you are playing with. I'm still a bit nervous, though."
Monty is set to have another run-out for Newport on Saturday when long-term injury victim, scrum-half Dai Llewellyn, could return.
The other big injury returnees came through last night's friendly with Swansea unscathed.
Centre Jason Jones-Hughes, out for 20 months with a knee injury, had half-a-game at centre and said: "It was definitely enjoyable and I got through, which was the main thing."
Lock Ian Gough, a back injury victim, played the full 80 minutes. He said: "I feel a bit battered and bruised but it was worthwhile. I was told I was playing half a game but carried on to the end."
And centre Jon Pritchard, sidelined for seven months with broken nones in his foot, also came through the match well.
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