Neil Jenkins started his season in typical fashion, producing a nerveless display with the boot to steal victory from an impressive young Neath side.

Along the way he stole the thunder from another of Wales' international stars, Shane Williams.

Williams, the flying winger who made such a sensational impact in the Wales team last season, unveiled a new string to his bow by taking over as Neath's place kicker.

His unerring boot slotted over four penalties as the visitors established an early lead over the defending champions.

He then produced a raking touchfinder which gained the position for Wales development-squad prop Duncan Jones to drive over from a line out.

Cardiff had to settle for three Neil Jenkins penalties until right on half time when, with the All Blacks weakened by flanker Brett Sinkinson's departure to the sin bin, they finally showed some penetration in attack.

Rob Howley brilliantly reclaimed his own kick ahead and the ball was spread left for wing Craig Morgan, who had an earlier score disallowed for offside, to race in at the flag.

Jenkins converted to cut the deficit to a point at half time.

Penalty exchange

Although a Jenkins penalty gave Cardiff a brief taste of the lead, Neath's dominant pack forced prop Andrew Millward over for a try, converted by Williams.

Following an exchange of penalties, Neath's new fly-half, England U21 cap James Brown, capped an impressive display by dropping a 40-yard goal into the wind.

But suddenly Cardiff went up a gear, Gareth Thomas bursting between two front-row men to fashion a try for Canadian flanker Dan Baugh.

Jenkins' kick brought the champions back within a point and, after steady pressure, the Wales fly-half dropped a neat goal to give his side victory.

Another injury-time penalty merely underlined the injustice to a disappointed Neath side.

In other news, Neath have told full-back Matthew Singer that his services as a player are no longer required.

He has been transfer listed, though he will continue as the club's commercial manager.

Scorers - Cardiff Tries: C. Morgan, Baugh. Cons: Jenkins 2. Pens: Jenkins 6. Drop Goals: Jenkins.
Neath Tries: D. Jones, Millward. Cons: S. Williams. Pens: S. Williams 5. Drop Goals: Brown.

Att: 7,120

Cardiff
Paul Jones, Nick Walne, Gareth Thomas, Pieter Muller, Craig Morgan, Neil Jenkins, Robert Howley, Spencer John, Jonathan Humphreys, David Young (cap), Steve Moore, Mike Voyle, Dan Baugh, Matthew Griffin, Martyn Williams. Replacements: R Powell, M Rayer, J Robinson, G Powell, A Lewis, J Tait, G Kacala.

Neath
Williams, Morris, Tiueti, Davies, Williams, Brown, Horgan, Jones, Davies, Millward, Martin, Llewellyn (capt), Francis, Phillips, Sinkinson.

Referee: Paul Adams (Welsh RFU)