SIMON Raiwalui, pictured, returns to Stradey Park tonight as Newport captain aiming to wipe out the memory of last season and get the team back on track after three successive defeats at the hands of Leinster.

Two years ago Newport won at Llanelli for the first time for 21 years, and they were on the brink of a repeat last season.

They were leading 11-9 going into injury time when disaster struck for Raiwalui and Newport.

Llanelli and Wales outside half Stephen Jones chipped a ball through, Raiwalui left his shoulder there, Jones went down and promptly picked himself up to kick the penalty and give his side a dramatic 12-11 victory.

Nearly an hour later Raiwalui was still in his kit speechless outside the dressing rooms. An approach for a comment was definitely not advisable.

That's water under the bridge now, gone but not forgotten as Raiwalui contemplates another visit to Stradey Park.

"We didn't come away with a win then, but we've had a good start this season with a couple of away wins which is money in the bank," said Raiwalui.

"But we've only played six games and we've got to build on that. Llanelli away is a great place to play and we're all looking forward to going there. It's a good game to get back on track.

"Llanelli have built up a fortress mentality down there and have got a great reputation. We're looking forward to playing against one of the best Welsh teams again.

"The team is coming together, we're starting to put phases together and playing as a team. We're looking at our performances."

Jason Strange, recalled to the Newport team, knows all about Stradey Park having played around 60 games for Llanelli between 1994-96.

And he had a win and a draw there when he was with Ebbw Vale.

"It's a great place to play and there's a great atmosphere," he said. "When you go to Stradey Park you know you're going to have to play and be positive.

"The first 20 minutes are always full on and everything is at such a high tempo, but things quieten down after that."