JPR finds an equal

Ieuan Evans, the former Wales captain, will equal J P R Williams' national record of 55 caps when he lines up against the world champions, South Africa, at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Evans, first capped against France in 1987, is by far the most experienced player chosen for the one-off Test against the Springboks in a side which includes three new caps.

Swansea's loose-head prop, Chris Loader, is joined by the Bridgend centre, Gareth Jones, and the Llanelli full-back, Justin Thomas, for their international bows. Thomas has recovered from a knee injury which forced him from the field during last Saturday's defeat by South Eastern Transvaal.

Welsh club rugby has secured a pounds 1m deal with Swalec, the South Wales power company, to continue as sponsors of the knock-out cup competition for another four years. The announcement is a timely boost as the newly professionalised sport goes in search of financial support to meet the growing demands.

Swansea are the Swalec Cup holders, having beaten Pontypridd 17-12 in last May's final.

WALES (v South Africa, on Saturday, at Ellis Park, Johannesburg): J Thomas (Llanelli); I Evans (Llanelli), G Thomas (Bridgend), G Jones (Bridgend), S Hill (Cardiff); N Jenkins (Pontypridd), A Moore (Cardiff); C Loader (Swansea), J Humphreys (Cardiff, capt), J Davies (Neath), P Arnold (Swansea), D Jones (Cardiff), A Gibbs (Newbridge), M Bennett (Cardiff), H Taylor (Cardiff). Replacements: M Taylor (Swansea), A Williams (Swansea), P John (Pontypridd), A Moore (Swansea), L Mustoe (Cardiff), G Jenkins (Swansea).