Challenge for Falcons is to play quick ball

PLAYING at a high tempo will be the key to Newcastle Falcons winning in Tbilisi tomorrow says hooker Ben Sowrey as Newcastle Falcons conclude their European Challenge Cup group campaign against Enisei-STM.

The Falcons are five from five at the top of Pool C and already assured of a home quarter-final thanks to the 64-7 victory they achieved over the Russian champions last weekend.

As they prepare for the re-match Sowrey is keen for a repeat of the pace which brought them their 10-try victory.

The hooker said: “We put our game together quite well and managed to impose ourselves on Enisei, who are a big, physical bunch.

“They fronted up right until the end and lacked nothing on that side - but overall I just think we had a little bit too much for them in terms of pace. This week is a totally different challenge, though.

“They will be more ready for us and more aware of what they are facing, so we cannot take it lightly.”

Sunday’s Kingston Park rout brought a second-half hat-trick for 20-year-old flyer Adam Radwan and a 60-metre sprint from fellow wing Zach Kibirige, Sowrey stating: “Zach and Radders are rapid out wide and teams know we can capitalise with those guys if they give us even half a sniff.

“It is not just them, though, we have plenty in midfield and all around the park.

“Enisei are a tough group who try to draw you into an arm-wrestle - and if we go down that road then we are playing into their hands.

“We just need to impose our shape on them, play at a high tempo - and if we do that the are big guys who can tire quickly.” ■■Falcons’ flanker Gary Graham has been named in England’s 35-man squad for the NatWest Six Nations.

The squad will fly out to Portugal to prepare ahead of the match in Rome on Sunday February 4.

Graham, who joined the Falcons last summer from Jersey, is yet to be capped at full international level but has impressed for the Falcons in his half-season with the club.

Director of rugby Dean Richards said: “It is great news for Gary he has been retained in the England squad after training with them twof weeks ago in Brighton.

“Hopefully he will have some minutes on the field during the Six Nations and we will begin to see more of our players called up by the England management.”