SPRINGBOK Percy Montgomery may be a world superstar but he expects no favours when he lines up in Newport colours for the first time tonight (7.30pm).

Monty fever has reached boiling point and the Black and Ambers expect a bumper Rodney Parade crowd when he lines up for Newport United, the club's reserve XV, against a Swansea XV.

But the South African, who arrived in Wales three weeks ago, is under no illusions what kind of reception he'll get from Newport's visitors.

"The game in Great Britain is a lot more physical than back home," said Montgomery, "and I expect nothing less tonight. But this is still my pre-season, to a certain extent. Nevertheless I want to get involved from the start."

The 28-year-old full-back, who left South African Super 12s side Stormers to sign a two-and-a-half year deal at Newport, is not eligible for the London Irish double-header in the Heineken Cup and is set to make his first-team debut against Bridgend in the home televised Welsh League clash on Friday, December 20 (7.05pm).

The Namibian-born star, who scored 261 points for the Springboks in 50 Tests between June 1997 and November 2001, said: "These type of games are to get myself used to playing in British conditions and getting my match fitness back.

"I am really excited about tonight's game but everything for the next four weeks is just the build-up for the Bridgend game - my mind is focused on that.

"The lads have been great and welcomed me into the side. I've settled in very well and the people of Newport have been top class."

Montgomery, who is also likely to feature in Newport United's home friendly against London Welsh Druids this Saturday (2.30pm), will face a tough reception from a Swansea side including five Welsh internationals.

Newport include centre Jason Jones-Hughes and lock Ian Gough, both of whom are returning from injury, in their squad along with Matt Pini, Shane Howarth and Offisa Tonu'u.

Swansea: G Henson, M Robinson, M Brayley, C Shelmerdine, R Rees, A Thomas. D Morris, C Wells, D Dorsey, J Slade, A Farley, R Jenkins, D Thomas, J Bater; R Jones, Replacements: T Evans, C Balshen, J Griffiths, M Jones, G Evans, R Francis; S Cordingley, D Pritchard, J Frost.