Newcastle Falcons Thread - 2016 / 2017

[Geordie]

First topic message reminder :

Manager: Dean Richards
Head Coach: John Wells
Forwards Coach: Micky Ward
Defence Coach: John Wells
Attack Coach: Dave Walder
Lineout Coach: Scott Macleod
Skills Coach: Mark Laycock

Current Squad (A= Academy):
Forwards
Props:
TH - Jon Welsh, Scott Wilson, Paddy Ryan, Davy Wilson
LH - Sami Mavinga, Rob Vickers, Sam Lockwood, Adam Brocklebank (A), Joshua Chisanga (A), Trevor Davison (A)

Hookers: Ben Sowrey, Kyle Cooper, Scott Lawson
Santiago Socino (A) Jamie Blamire (A)

Second Rows: Callum Green, Mauritz Botha, Will Witty, Sean Robinson , Evan Olmstead, Nick Civetta, Glen Youngs, Tevita Cavubati, Andrew Davidson
Josh Williams (A), Max Davies (A)

Back Row: Will Welch, Nili Latu, Mark Wilson, Harrison Orr, Opeti Fonua, Ally Hogg, Ryan Burrows, Gary Graham
Calum Chick,  Simon Uzokwe (A)

Backs
SH's: Sonatane Tukulua, Micky Young, Sam Stuart
Ruaridh Dawson (A), Dan Taylor (A)

Fh's: Mike Delaney, Joel Hodgson, Toby Flood,  Craig Willis
Brett Connon (A)

Centres: Juan Pablo Socino, Chris Harris, Dom Waldouck, Maxine Mermoz, Josh Matavesi, Joel Matavesi, Tom Penny
Ben Stevenson (A),

Wing: Sinoti Sinoti, Zac Kibirige, Veriniki Goneva, DTH Van der Merve
Adam Radwan (A), Cameron Cowell (A)

FB's: Alex Tait, Simon Hammersley

[Geordie]

Interesting team to play Lyon tomorrow....great to see Catterick and Kibirige back, Connon starting at 10 and Harrison Orr at 8.

That is an attacking lineup...shows the intent!

15 Tom Catterick
14 Alex Tait
13 Dominic Waldouck
12 Fred Burdon (captain)
11 Zach Kibirige
10 Brett Connon
9 Sam Egerton

1 Alex Rogers
2 Ben Sowrey
3 David Wilson
4 Mouritz Botha
5 Nick Civetta
6 Glen Young
7 Daniel Temm
8 Harrison Orr

Replacements
16 David Nelson
17 Rob Vickers
18 Andrew Foster
19 Marcus Watson
20 Mark Wilson
21 Joel Hodgson
22 Dan Marshall
23 Mike Delany

[Hazel Sapling]

Umm is Marcus Watson covering lock? Is he not a wing?

How has Chasinga (the Kenyan bloke whose name I butchered) got on?

[Geordie]

Mark Wilson will cover lock. Played there most of last season and was one of the best locks in the league.

Nelson covers back row aswell as being reserve Hooker.

Chisanga is curious. He's only had some brief outings yet all the falcons who've seen him seem to agree unanimously that hes a very raw beast! Yet he wasn't included in the Euro cup squad listing at the start of the season (which is bizarre) so cant play in these games v Lyon etc which would be ideal....and hasn't got loads of games in the prem.

Maybe with safety nearly guaranteed, we may see him get more outings in the prem as hes a crowd pleaser with his rampaging runs etc.

[Geordie]

We have signed London Welsh centre Nick Reynolds until the rest of the season

[Sgt_Pooly]

Who?

[Geordie]

Exactly Sgt.

No idea myself.

[Cumbrian]

He's a bit of a 'meh' signing. I wonder if an academy lad would do any worse.

[Geordie]

Well im curious whats happened with Penny. I think he was injured but heard nothing since? He was very good potential.

Where is Chris Harris in his recovery?
Young Adam Redman. Very inexperienced but a big lad.

Would Alex Tait not make a better centre?

The thoughts on Reynolds is that hes not bad. So probably a solid signing...nothing great.

[Geordie]

Well this was a period we were dreading a bit...

Saracens
Wasps
Bath

But so far we've given both Saracens and Wasps a right good go. Same again on Friday and we could get more points!

Was a great night on Friday...full house and the lads played great...could very easily have won with better efficiency on the try line.

[Sgt_Pooly]

Just watched the game.

Wilson and Tukulua were absolutely superb. To push a quality outfit like Wasps all the way is quite impressive. The turnaround over the last few weeks is rather frustrating tbh. We only start to play once we're clear from the dog fight at the bottom, there's no reason why we shouldn't be attacking teams from the off.

[Geordie]

Yeah I agree Sgt, its very much damage limitation riskless rugby up to a point then its all change and Dean lets them off the leash!

I was at the game and we really could have beaten them...probably should have. But its coming together slowly. We really do have quite a bit of depth now...players can come in who can perform very well.

[LondonTiger]

In so many ways Takulua was very good, however his apparent lack of a kicking game and the odd iffy pass put Hodgson under pressure at times. Not to excuse Hodgson's performance, and I felt he was the worst Falcon's player and largely culpable for the defeat, but it did not help.

However Falcon's are one of the few sides, along with the top two, who should be pretty happy with their season to date.

[Geordie]

Takulua has been very good this season, as has Joel.

Takulua is our 1st choice 9. In fact hes a very good kicker aswell...many have said he should be our place kicker.

[Geordie]

Well things going good so far....

Lets see how we go about holding onto our players.....especially the Watson rumour to Wasps.

[Hazel Sapling]

Would Watson be a big loss considering the resources Newcastle have on the wing? Kilbridge has had his development delayed due to the legal issues but there is still Sinoti and Goneva. I assume the money could be used to improve at centre.

[SirBurger]

Plus DTH Van der Merwe is coming.

[Sgt_Pooly]

Great signing, very happy with that. If Watson stays, would happy with him at 13.

[Geordie]

Sinoti has had two major knee ligament injuries that have ruled him out for long spells each time. Again hes out for the season. It has to have some impact.

GOneva has been class and I fully expect Kibirige to get lots of gametime in the second half of the season...he looks absolutely electric.

DTH is coming but I suspect he'll be earmarked for 13...a position we are crying out for and DTH's best / first choice position.

After that we have Marshall a young academy lad who has some exposure to the 1st team and is seriously rapid and tricky but is still a little lightweight and Radwan and Stevenson... academy kids with huge potential...but not likely to challenge the first team yet.

So in reality we need to keep Watson.

[Geordie]

Team for Grenoble this weekend

Great team as far as long term injury returnees, and young academy lads.
a)1 Non EQ player
b)Chris Harris starts at 13 first game of the season after injury.
c)Kyle Cooper on the bench! Should get his first falcons appearance after season long injury since joining.
d)Sean Robinson back after season long injury
e) Craig Willis and Brett Connon both getting starts!
f) Tom Catterick on the bench...

1. Ben Harris
2. Ben Sowrey
3. David Wilson
4. Will Witty
5. Mouritz Botha
6. Sean Robinson
7. Harrison Orr
8. Daniel Temm

9. Sam Egerton
10. Craig Willis
11. Zach Kibirige
12. Fred Burdon (C)
13. Chris Harris
14. Dan Marshall
15 Brett Connon

Replacements 16. Kyle Cooper, 17. Adam Brocklebank, 18. Scott Wilson, 19. Calum Green, 20. Glen Young, 21 Michael Young, 22. Dom Waldouck, 23. Tom Catterick

[Sgt_Pooly]

Couldn't have wished for much more than that really, good looking team.

[Geordie]

Half time 7-10 to the falcons

Chris Harris scored a try in 9m on his first game of the season since a bad injury and WIllis has kicked the conversion and a penalty.

[Geordie]

I see Jamie Blamire (Hooker) and Archie Erskine (Back Row) are in the England u20 squad...well done them.

[Geordie]

Jon Welsh has been called up to the Scotland squad...great stuff! Top class TH and LH!

[TightHEAD]

Belated Congrats to Newcastle on a fine performance against Bath. Your Fans were superb on the night, well done.

[Geordie]

Belated Congrats to Newcastle on a fine performance against Bath. Your Fans were superb on the night, well done.

It was a good performance...but very different result if Ford had kicked his kicks.

Our fans in general are superb...they were a bit rattled with the all timewasting during the kicks...and they voiced they're annoyance.

Falcons fans are in general some of the most respectful fans out there!

[LondonTiger]

Our fans in general are superb...they were a bit rattled with the all timewasting during the kicks...and they voiced they're annoyance.

I wish that the time spent on a kick was enforced. In our last home game I timed Owen Farrell taking 105 seconds between teh penalty being awarded and kicking the ball - with no interruptions for ref to talk to anyone or injury. While disappointed that some fans whistled, I was not surprised.

[Geordie]

Yeah that's why the boos came out LT.

You actually hear the fans in the west stand counting down on several occasions when ford is waiting to kick...5,4,3,2,1...then the booing started. (Which I don't really agree with to be honest)

[Geordie]

Newcastle Falcons team to face Ospreys (Saturday, 5pm, Kingston Park Stadium)

1 Ben Harris
2 Kyle Cooper
3 David Wilson
4 Calum Green
5 Sean Robinson
6 Will Welch (captain)
7 Daniel Temm
8 Mark Wilson

9 Michael Young
10 Craig Willis
11 Fred Burdon
12 Dominic Waldouck
13 Chris Harris
14 Tom Catterick
15 Alex Tait

Replacements
16 David Nelson
17 Rob Vickers
18 Jon Welsh
19 Mouritz Botha
20 Harrison Orr
21 Sam Egerton
22 Joel Hodgson
23 Dan Marshall

[True Raven]

Hey Falcons, was wondering if you guys could update me on Max Davies who has been named in the Welsh under 20's squad.

Is he one for the future?

[True Raven]

P.S hope its a good game saturday!

[Geordie]

Max Davies is getting huge praise. Looks a definite one for the future.

Looks like a game of two halves....I couldn't make the game will be interesting to see the review. Apparently we are signing Mark Bennett the Glasgow centre for next season.

[Geordie]

Well it looks lie Kyle Cooper is another corking signing by Dean. Need to see a few more games...but basically a beast of a SA hooker.

[Geordie]

And its looking increasingly likely that Watson to Wasps is a done deal...

[Hazel Sapling]

Well it looks lie Kyle Cooper is another corking signing by Dean. Need to see a few more games...but basically a beast of a SA hooker.

I remember seeing Cooper playing for the Sharks. Solid but unspectacular.

Watson to Wasps? He would be dangerous there but they have Bassett, Halai and Wade. Could one of them be leaving?

[Geordie]

Newcastle Falcons team to face Newport Gwent Dragons (Sunday, 3pm, Rodney Parade)

A strong team...getting the seniors a warm up for the Prem starting again...

1 Rob Vickers
2 Scott Lawson
3 Jon Welsh
4 Calum Green
5 Evan Olmstead
6 Sean Robinson
7 Will Welch (captain)
8 Mark Wilson

9 Sonatane Takulua
10 Joel Hodgson
11 Vereniki Goneva
12 Juan Pablo Socino
13 Chris Harris
14 Belisario Agulla
15 Alex Tait

Replacements

16 Kyle Cooper
17 Adam Brocklebank
18 Andrew Foster
19 Mouritz Botha
20 Callum Chick
21 Michael Young
22 Craig Willis
23 Dominic Waldouck

[Sgt_Pooly]

Strong side.

Looks like Mermoz is coming to us on other news. Apparently confirmed it to Andy Goode when he asked him at a recent game. As I've seen noted elsewhere, this seems to be our way of getting quality players in over the last year or so. Offer 30 year olds 3 year deals as they'd struggle to get this elsewhere.

Bit of a gamble but it's worked so far with Goneva and DTH/Mermoz would be fantastic coups for a side like Falcons. Still hope Bennett comes in mind.

[Geordie]

Yeah I have no issues with older players if they are genuine quality Sgt.

Latu, Hogg, Lawson all showing how good they are. The key is Dean is starting to mix that with young academy talent like he said he would.

Will Welch, Wilson, Witty, Robinson, Hodgson, Hamersley, Chick....etc

And its a mix that appears to be beginning to bare fruit....

If we sign Mermoz, Bennett and DTH I wouldn't expect any others ( I cant think of any positions we NEED any others) ...and that would be a MAJORLY good bit of work.

PS - The one that also interests me is Simon Uzokwe the flanker. Hes been on loan at Darlington, but back with us permanently next season. Hes only about 6' but an absolute tank. Been stand out for DMP and could make a huge impression for us.

I'm still hoping Chisanga can get more gametime aswell....not sure what the issue is with him..

[Sgt_Pooly]

As guess these guys have the physical attributes but require working on in a rugby sense. Sometimes it works I guess with guys like Gorgadze etc it can work but sometimes they just can't kick on. I think we may see more of these guys next season.

[Geordie]

Well the game was stopped 12 mins before time due to the conditions.

Having said that...it was nice to some old school rugby - players covered in Mud and playing in a bog! Nothing better

[Geordie]

Some interesting little snippets on the unoffy....

Catterick possibly off to Bristol.

Josh Chisanga has been working with Wardy, and has played a couple of games for Blaydon at prop! That's an curious one....it worked with Vickers....

[Geordie]

Team v Bath - LV Cup Saturday 3pm

1 Adam Brocklebank
2 Ben Sowrey
3 Paddy Ryan
4 Mouritz Botha
5 Glen Young
6 Harrison Orr
7 Tyrone Holmes
8 Opeti Fonua

9 Michael Young
10 Craig Willis
11 Sinoti Sinoti
12 Fred Burdon (captain)
13 Nick Reynolds
14 Zach Kibirige
15 Mike Delany

Replacements
16 David Nelson
17 Rob Vickers
18 Andrew Foster
19 Andrew Davidson
20 Nili Latu
21 Sam Egerton
22 Dan Marshall
23 Tom Penny

Hugely changed side.....but Genuinely excited.
Sinoti back after injury!
Latu back on the bench for the first appearance this season!
Penny on the bench after injury aswell!!!
Andrew Davidson on the bench!
Kibirige starting!
Willis given the 10 role yet again....
Lots of academy lads all over the team and squad!

Great stuff!!!

[Geordie]

Well that was as interesting as watching paint dry!

[Sgt_Pooly]

Just watched the highlights, some try from Kibirige.

[Geordie]

Yeah it was a cracker Sgt, but dear lord the rest of the game was dire. And it was freezing! Not much fun. Was happy to get back in the club house for the England game...despite how bad that was.

The curry was nice though

[Geordie]

Newcastle Falcons team to face Sale Sharks (Friday, 8.15pm, AJ Bell Stadium)

1 Rob Vickers
2 Scott Lawson
3 Jon Welsh
4 Calum Green
5 Sean Robinson
6 Mark Wilson
7 Will Welch (captain)
8 Opeti Fonua

9 Sonatane Takulua
10 Joel Hodgson
11 Vereniki Goneva
12 Juan Pablo Socino
13 Chris Harris
14 Belisario Agulla
15 Alex Tait

Replacements
16 Kyle Cooper
17 Ben Harris
18 Scott Wilson
19 Evan Olmstead
20 Nili Latu
21 Sam Egerton
22 Mike Delany
23 Dominic Waldouck

[Fluxy]

Do reckon this side has too much for Sale, but we shall see. 

Was expecting to see Kibirige in there somewhere though.

[Cumbrian]

Reckon we'll win, Sale's league form has been atrocious this season.

[Geordie]

I think should be able to get a win...interesting that Robinson is selected ahead of Olmstead...we are so strong in the lock department at the moment.

The impact of the bench is huge in the pack.

And apparently its going to be nasty weather tomorrow night so maybe hes gone with the power of goneva rather than the pace of Kibirige. But Zac needs to start some prem games soon.

[formerly known as Sam]

Sale Sharks:
15. Mike Haley
14. Denny Solomona
13. Sam James
12. Mark Jennings
11. Will Addison (c)
10. AJ MacGinty
9. Mike Phillips

1. Ross Harrison
2. Rob Webber
3. Halani Aulika
4. Bryn Evans
5. Jonathan Mills
6. Cameron Neild
7. Magnus Lund
8. TJ Ioane

Replacements: 
16. Ben Curry
17. James Flynn
18. Kieran Longbottom
19. George Nott
20. David Seymour
21. Peter Stringer
22. Johnny Leota
23. Byron McGuigan

For reference.

[Cumbrian]

Curry playing hooker? Thinking about it Nield will shift forward to the front row and curry will replace him in the back.

[Sponsored content]