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

[Welly]

There will be a few AP ref who got bumped down in the champ.

[Heaf]

Think this one must have bumped his head on the way down ...

[Geordie]

Falcons v Bath

M Young back on the bench....prepare for box kicks when he comes on!

1 Alex Rogers
2 Scott Lawson
3 Jon Welsh
4 Calum Green
5 Will Witty
6 Evan Olmstead
7 Will Welch (captain)
8 Mark Wilson

9 Sonatane Takulua
10 Mike Delany
11 Sinoti Sinoti
12 Juan Pablo Socino
13 Chris Harris
14 Vereniki Goneva
15 Simon Hammersley

Replacements:
16 Ben Sowrey
17 Sam Lockwood
18 Paddy Ryan
19 Sean Robinson
20 Ally Hogg
21 Michael Young
22 Joel Hodgson
23 Dominic Waldouck

[Geordie]

Well 58-5

That was humiliating....im not even going to analyse it...utter Sh1te.

Only Hodgson looked to try things when he came on.
On that form we'll be relegated before we blink.

We are notoriously bad away from home...I hope its just that and next week against Leicester we play like we did against Sale.

If however this is out normal service then we're in trouble because Worcester and Bristol look decent .....

[Geordie]

Sgt

We were inept and didn't appear to even try to compete....

[Geordie]

Joel Hodgson missed a drop kick in front of the posts. How can a professional premier league rugby fly half miss a kick that straight forward??!!!

[formerly known as Sam]

Joel Hodgson missed a drop kick in front of the posts. How can a professional premier league rugby fly half miss a kick that straight forward??!!!

Pressure? Seen it before, will probably see it again. He also should have given himself a feet further back which would have meant more time so he didn't need to rush as much. Of course that would be dependent on him trusting Young to make the pass.

[Geordie]

Well yes that's true.

He definitely should have given himself more space.

[Luckless Pedestrian]

Joel Hodgson missed a drop kick in front of the posts. How can a professional premier league rugby fly half miss a kick that straight forward??!!!

You should have had a scrum penalty before then anyway.

[Geordie]

Ah mate the referee was utterly appalling...for both sides.

The guy should not be a top flight referee!

[Jimpy]

Ah mate the referee was utterly appalling...for both sides.

The guy should not be a top flight referee!

Nonetheless, Falcons should consider themselves unlucky not to have won that.

[Geordie]

Sale could say the same about 2 weeks before Jimpy.

Swings and roundabouts.

That's the difference between a team like us and a team like Saracens that just wont be "unlucky"

We just need to start scraping a few wins together.

[screamingaddabs]

GeordieFalcon, what do you think of Waldouk now he has had a few games? I recall you thought it was a poor signing? Not having a go at you btw, just genuinely interested to see if you have changed your mind.

As a tigers fan with Newcastle as my close 2nd team (lived in the toon for 7 years) the past two Newcastle results have been just what I wanted (though I feel the tigers were very lucky to get away with it!).

If the falcons keep playing like this then they will avoid a relegation fight for a change and could even edge towards a battle for top six (ok that's optimistic!)

[TheMildlyFranticLlama]

GeordieFalcon, what do you think of Waldouk now he has had a few games?  I recall you thought it was a poor signing?  Not having a go at you btw, just genuinely interested to see if you have changed your mind.

I was wondering the same, he'd been off playing U13 Girls rugby in the States (or some such) but seems to be straight into the Newcastle side and picking up tries. Is he starting to look more like the player he was at Wasps?

[Geordie]

Probably a little too early to really make a judgement, but ill hold my hand up and say it hasn't been as much of a disaster as I first though.

Ill be able to give a more informed opinion after a few more games.

It was nice to pick up that win, but I was gutted we lost to Tigers last week.

Wuss up next down there....MASSIVE game. I'd love to see Fonua recovered from injury, to give us a bit of oomph from the bench.

The team are better than the abuse I gave them after the Bath debacle.

[screamingaddabs]

Going to need probably 6 or 7 wins guarantee no relegation (though Bristol may mean 1 is enough at this rate!). Winning at Worcester is probably compulsory for that I'd say and would get the team half way there! Beating Wuss and Bristol home and away guarantees 6 wins (and they would be against the most likely relegation contenders). I think the falcons could realistically end the season with 8 wins (or possibly more). 8 wins is probably only 9th at best though :-(

[Geordie]

We're in much better shape than many previous years...but we are the falcons and can can have brain melts on the pitch that leads to defeats.

I just think we have a few players now that will turn those very narrow defeats we've had in previous years in to wins.

Players like Jon Welsh at TH, Delayney, Evan Olmstead is signing of the season...Socino playing his best rugby since he got here...etc.

We just need to continue this brutal defence...but give Goneva, Watson, Sinotti or Kibirige chances. Those are amongst the best wing options in the league!

[Sgt_Pooly]

Well that was bad, no idea what is going on. Team for Bristol:

1. Welsh
2. Lawson
3. Wilson
4. Witty
5. Olmstead
6. Wilson
7. Welch
8. Hogg

9. Young
10. Delany
11. Geneva
12. Domino
13. Waldouck
14. Sinoti
15. Hammersley

9-12 Is an issue, I'd really like to see Willis involved sooner rather than later. Is Egerton worth a punt? Geneva to 13?

[Geordie]

Get shot of,delayney...though it's not ALL his fault. The tactics are appalling.

And until the training changes its not going to improve much. I agree about Willis...he needs to start and also Egerton who look seriously lively and played at pace in the preseasons ...then was dropped. Maybe he didn't kick enough!!!

With fonua still injured I'd also bring Chisanga in. He's raw. But a beast in the Latu style. Unleash him and let him just run amok.

I'd go:

1 Welsh
2 Lawson
3 D.Wilson
4 Olmstead
5 Witty / Green
6 Chisanga
7 Welch
8 M.Wilson

9 Egerton
10 Willis
11 Sinotti
12 Socino
13 Waldouck
14 Goneva
15 Hammersley

[Hazel Sapling]

Surprised you would drop Hogg. Is he injured? Chisanga from that highlights package looks more like a true 8 and maybe leaving Wilson at 6 to do the hard graft would be productive. I remember Hodgeson from when I attended a couple of Newcastle games (several years ago during the Championship season). Is he not establishing himself back as a 10 or has he stuck to his adopted 9?

Also is this Welsh move looking more likely to be permanent? Scotland really need him at tighthead as 2nd choice behind Nel.

[BigGee]

Also is this Welsh move looking more likely to be permanent? Scotland really need him at tighthead as 2nd choice behind Nel.

A lot of people always felt that JW was a much better LH than he ever was a TH. He was switched out of expediency as Glasgow were short of THs and long on LHs and he probably had more chance of getting international honours there.

Ironically, because of injury and other players arriving and coming into form, he never really got that much game time on that side for Glasgow anyway and I think the lack of opportunity was one of the reasons he moved on. He was one player who never really did benefit from the Tombola, he needed regular game time to get himself established on that side.

[Geordie]

Hazel

To answer your questions:

Surprised you would drop Hogg. Is he injured?

Hogg has actually played quite well since he came back...but hes not as explosive as I think we need. Wilson and Welch are the grafters. Wilson is simply undroppable he is mr consistent, and Welch is making himself similar as a defensive leader. So its Hogg who would be dropped. Possibly slightly unfairly....

Chisanga from that highlights package looks more like a true 8 and maybe leaving Wilson at 6 to do the hard graft would be productive.

Chisanga is indeed an 8, but he showed up equally effectively at 6 in the preseasons. He's just totally different to the current players we have (with the exception of Latu who is a raw version of). He very raw but he is an explosive carrier, tough tackler, and he made some textbook turnovers in preseason. He scores tries and commits defenders.

I remember Hodgeson from when I attended a couple of Newcastle games (several years ago during the Championship season). Is he not establishing himself back as a 10 or has he stuck to his adopted 9?

Delayney is seemingly the first choice 10. But many falcons fans are not impressed as he has not played well at all bar 1 or 2 games. Hodgson has got about 10 minutes here and there.
The player we want to start is WIllis. Hes a young academy lad who was coming off the bench last season for Andy Goode and looked seriously promising. However this season he hasn't even had a minute of prem rugby. Its so frustrating.

Also is this Welsh move looking more likely to be permanent? Scotland really need him at tighthead as 2nd choice behind Nel.

Welsh is a TH but due to injuries hes had to move across. And sadly it looks like Rob Vickers the old warrior at LH is beginning to fall back so Welsh will be staying at LH for a while.

[formerly known as Sam]

What happened to the LH you signed from Jersey? He had a good reputation as a fearsome scrummager. Is he injured?

[Geordie]

He's injured Sam...only played 1 game since he joined us.

[Hazel Sapling]

Thanks Geordie, not happy about Welsh being committed to the LH side but he is effective there.

Hodgson messed himself up going over to Northants and put his career back.

To be fair to Hogg, he is turning 34 this season so the explosiveness was never going to stay that long. Chisanga sounds like a great bench option for when the game breaks up.

Is Davidson going to get a look in with your present 2nd row options?

[Geordie]

Yeah Davidson and all the kids will play all the European and UK cup games.

The one good thing about Dean is how he views those....as a development tournament...so its just flooded with academy players and youngsters.

Very few seniors players play in it.

[formerly known as Sam]

Yeah Davidson and all the kids will play all the European and UK cup games.

The one good thing about Dean is how he views those....as a development tournament...so its just flooded with academy players and youngsters.

Very few seniors players play in it.

That isn't always a positive. Got to get enough youngsters in to promote their development but enough experienced players to ensure it's an environment they can flourish in. I've seen Tigers do it before and all that happened was our academy lads took a humping and learnt nothing.

[Geordie]

Yeah it can go that way Sam but in general its worked well.

I'm getting slated on the Falcons unoffy site for daring to criticise the falcons and say that our tactics are prehistoric....its hilarious.

[Geordie]

Who on earth is dictating the tactics and gameplan at our club.

Its really inexcusable now! That second half performance was appalling.

[TightHEAD]

What do you want Geordie, you are 6th in the league and a long way from relegation worries, sit tight and stop worrying as no one likes playing you at home.

[Geordie]

We can be so much better though. And I don't mean title challenging....

I simply mean we can play better and should be making these victories more commanding.

For example we were playing some decent stuff in the first half v Bristol. All we needed to do was continue on in the same fashion. But instead we come out and start the kicking game again! And lo behold we're hanging on at the end....who on earth decided to change the tactics.  

V Worcester....we were dominating the possession for the whole first half yet barely made an impression on the scoreboard. A few elementary skills to score a try or two and that SHOULD have been another victory.

This is what im getting frustrated at.

[Ozzy3213]

I've just watched the highlights and can see why you are frustrated GF.  3 tries up in the first half an hour you should be realistically gunning for the bonus point, especially against what is a fundamentally poor Bristol defence.  It was like watching two different Falcons either side of the break.  Difficult to explain what happened really, as it looked like a lack of ambition rather than anything else.

[Geordie]

That's what we were all saying Ozzy....were the instructions changed to not lose the game in the second half???

Well they very nearly did, bar one great tackle by Joel Hodgson.

Defies belief it really does...just keep playing decent rugby...we don't have a briliiant squad but we have a decent one that suits more running rugby...and the pitch that does.

[TrailApe]

I know we lost both centres due to injury - could this have been a reason for the discordant second 40?

It is a bit of a pisser though, although I don't think anybody at any level of the club is saying - 'Good 1st Half Lads, that's the W chalked up, go and have a larf in the 2nd half'

Could it be they have acrophobia? - after all it's a long way down to the bottom when you are sixth!!!!

[Sgt_Pooly]

I think Waldouck went off early TA, possibly after the first try?


I actually thought having the 2 playmakers on the pitch was working quite well.

[Geordie]

I thought Hodgson looked better than Delayney.

Theres been a few muffled suggestions that Delayney should move back to FB. I would consider that one...but think he should be moved away from FH for a while. Hodgson looked decent.

Obviously with the Euros coming up Willis etc will all be getting games.

[propdavid_london]

On a slightly different note - a revitalised Dom Waldouck seems to be a great signing for Falcons.
If him coming off makes that much of an impact on their game then it shows his worth right there.

[Geordie]

Which route do you think selection will go in the euros - Ospreys on Friday?

Something like this?

1 Lockwood ( if he's recovered?)
2 Socino / Nelson
3 Paddy Ryan
4 Witty
5 Davidson
6 Chisanga
7 Temm
8 Chick

9 Egerton
10 Hodgson
11 Kibirige
12 Redman
13 Penny
14 Watson
15 Connon

16 Alex Rogers
17 Socino / Nelson
18 Andrew Forster
19 Max Davies
20 Tukulua
21 Willis
22 Stevenson
23 Hammersley

[Geordie]

On a slightly different note - a revitalised Dom Waldouck seems to be a great signing for Falcons.  
If him coming off makes that much of an impact on their game then it shows his worth right there.

Yes, another Adam Powell like signing, ie a quality player who had so much injury issues. We've picked him up and despite my reservations he has looked very good indeed.

[wayne]

Which route do you think selection will go in the euros - Ospreys on Friday?

Something like this?

1 Lockwood ( if he's recovered?)
2 Socino / Nelson
3 Paddy Ryan
4 Witty
5 Davidson
6 Chisanga
7 Temm
8 Chick

9 Egerton
10 Hodgson
11 Kibirige
12 Redman
13 Penny
14 Watson
15 Connon

16 Alex Rogers
17 Socino / Nelson
18 Andrew Forster
19 Max Davies
20 Tukulua
21 Willis
22 Stevenson
23 Hammersley

Geordie is that anything like your first team squad, or is it as you said last week what Deano normally does in this competition academy and youngsters, in a way I hope it is full strength or close to it.
Thanks

[Geordie]

That's what Dean normally does and puts the kids out...that team would reflect that.

But might be a little too inexperienced for taking on the Ospreys.

[wayne]

That's what Dean normally does and puts the kids out...that team would reflect that.

But might be a little too inexperienced for taking on the Ospreys.

Geordie, Steve Tandy has said twice now that we will be making a number of changes for Friday, so it won't be our strongest team either.

[Geordie]

Yeah , Dean has done it for years now. Several of the lads coming through into our first team like Witty, Robinson was was one of the best locks in the league last season etc etc have all had run outs in the euros.

Hopefully more will come from it.

[Geordie]

Curious team for the Ospreys game.

Newcastle Falcons team to face Ospreys (Friday, Liberty Stadium, 7.05pm)

15 Brett Connon
14 Marcus Watson
13 Fred Burdon (captain)
12 Craig Willis
11 Belisario Agulla
10 Joel Hodgson
9 Michael Young

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

Replacements
16 David Nelson
17 Sam Lockwood
18 Andrew Foster
19 Mouritz Botha
20 Callum Chick
21 Sam Egerton
22 Juan Pablo Socino
23 Alex Tait

Referee: David Wilkinson (Ireland)

[wayne]

Curious team for the Ospreys game.

Newcastle Falcons team to face Ospreys (Friday, Liberty Stadium, 7.05pm)

15 Brett Connon
14 Marcus Watson
13 Fred Burdon (captain)
12 Craig Willis
11 Belisario Agulla
10 Joel Hodgson
9 Michael Young

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

Replacements
16 David Nelson
17 Sam Lockwood
18 Andrew Foster
19 Mouritz Botha
20 Callum Chick
21 Sam Egerton
22 Juan Pablo Socino
23 Alex Tait

Referee: David Wilkinson (Ireland)

How is it curious GF

[Geordie]

Well Willis is a real prospect at 10, but so far this season it appears he's being earmarked as a 12 by the club.

Glen Young is a big lineout style lock forward (academy lad) playing at 6. Harrison Orr plays at 8 in his first game this season due to injury.

Very few first teams from this year so far.

But many have had injuries or on the fringe.

[wayne]

Well Willis is a real prospect at 10, but so far this season it appears he's being earmarked as a 12 by the club.

Glen Young is a big lineout style lock forward (academy lad) playing at 6. Harrison Orr plays at 8 in his first game this season due to injury.

Very few first teams from this year so far.

But many have had injuries or on the fringe.

Thanks Geordie, I'll keep a real lookout for those and post back on here Saturday.
Cheers Wayne

[Sgt_Pooly]

Willis could be an interesting option at 12, certainly a way of getting into the starting side with JPS not playing well. I'd have like to have seen Lockwood start and Cooper/Fonua involved somewhere.

[Geordie]

Sarge

Lockwood has just recovered from injury and probably needs fitness so will come off the bench...

And Fonua is still injured and Cooper has picked up a knock aswell...

[Sgt_Pooly]

Bloody hell! Best we can hope for them I guess. Is it televised?

[Sponsored content]