GARY Teichmann can become the second captain in Newport's history to lift the Welsh Cup on Sunday - says the only captain who has done it.

That was another hugely popular Newport skipper - Colin Smart, an Englishman who won 19 caps and made nearly 300 appearances at loose head prop for Newport in his 11 years with them.

He lifted the cup in 1977 which remains the only time Newport have won the trophy.

Smart was not averse to questioning those in charge during his time at Newport and, like Teichmann, was very supportive of his players.

"Newport will win, I'm very confident of that," said Smart, now a building society manager in Gloucester and living near Ross.

"I haven't seen much of them, but I know in the last few weeks they've been a bit shaky," he added.

"But that's often the case before a big match. They've got a few big game players and I'm confident Gary will be the second Newport captain to lift the cup.

"Newport need it, they've put a lot of money, effort and organisation into everything. They deserve some silverware."