Confidence in squad is high, insists Witty

WILL Witty insists Newcastle Falcons’ confidence remains intact ahead of tonight’s Aviva Premiership visit of Bath to Kingston Park Stadium (kick-off 7.45).

The Falcons have won their last five games on home soil but saw their four-game unbeaten run in the league ended last weekend at European champions Saracens, Witty stressing the Allianz Park loss was no more than a speed bump in an otherwise fruitful campaign.

The Yorkshireman, who packs down in the second row alongside Calum Green, said: “It was a disappointing result because we went down there wanting and expecting to win, as we do with any game.

“We have taken a lot of learning from it and are looking to bounce back against Bath.

“Saracens are a tough team to play against - but then so is every team at this level.

“There is never an easy game to come back into, I had missed two matches with my knee but I just wanted to get back out there.”

Witty added: “We have a lot of confidence as a team, as we should do, and I don’t think one defeat is going to knock us.

“We have won a lot of games this season, we have improved on where we were and I don’t get the sense our mood has been dented in any major way by one defeat against a very good side.”

Up against a Bath team who were beaten by the Falcons in a 33-32 thriller at The Rec back in September, Witty said: “Bath are a good side, they will be tough to play against but we have had a look at them and we know what we need to do.

“First things first we have to get our set-piece right and beat them in the up-front battle.

“With the back line we have we will be able to score tries if we make space for them and get them the ball. I am sure we will do that.

“Whoever they put out we will challenge them up front.

“I could not really care what their names are to be honest with you, so whoever it is we will take them on.

“We respect them as a side but we are not fussed about big names or reputations.

“I don’t think you can be at this level, you just have to try and beat whoever is up against you and it does not matter who they are.”

Hopeful of a big crowd as the Falcons aim to extend their unbeaten home run past the threemonth mark, Witty added: “I think the boys enjoy playing here on a Friday night – I know I do.”