Hodgson looking to build on Toulon win
FALCONS’ ACE IS UP FOR MONTPELLIER TEST
JOEL Hodgson is keen for Newcastle Falcons’ European heroics to be more than a flash in the pan as they prepare to host star-studded French outfit Montpellier in the Heineken Champions Cup this Sunday.
The 1pm kick-off at Kingston Park Stadium comes just a week after the Falcons became only the second side ever to win away at three-time winners Toulon in the competition, fly-half Hodgson kicking five from five and helping to create the decisive penalty try with a second-half line break.
Now preparing for his club’s first Champions Cup home game in 14 seasons, Hodgson said: “We had a great year last year – we finished fourth in the Premiership and we are in the Champions Cup on merit.
“We have worked hard to be in this company and the big thing for us now is to ensure we make the most of the opportunity.
“There is no point umming and ahhing – you have to believe in what you are doing and understand you deserve to be here.
“I think the boys did that last weekend and the thing now is to make sure it is not a one-off.
“Toulon had big names on that field, as Montpellier will do on Sunday, but for us it was about the collective and all 23 lads sticking together, along with all the reserves, staff and supporters who had gone out there to join us.
“We were all buying into the same thing, and that is the key.”
Up against a Montpellier side who themselves were 21-15 winners at home to Edinburgh in round one, Hodgson added: “Toulon were a big side and, if anything, Montpellier are probably a bit bigger, so we know it is going to be a huge physical challenge on Sunday.
“Montpellier have a bit more structure about them compared to Toulon and we have identified their strengths.
“We have also highlighted a couple of areas where we feel there are opportunities for us if we nail our own game plan.
“Toulon were a much more unpredictable team who vary what they do to quite a large extent during the game, whereas Montpellier are probably drilled a bit more.
“That works in their favour in many ways but in terms of our own preparation it probably means we have a better idea of what is coming.
“Stopping it is another thing, of course, because they are a class side and it is about how we can implement our own game on to them.
“If you can play in the right areas and spend the majority of the time down there, more often than not you will come away with the right result.”
Finally being able to see the funny side of the yellow card which earned him 10 minutes on the sidelines last weekend, Hodgson joked: “Some idiot went and got sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on, although I can honestly say I was trying to catch the ball.
“I can see why the referee thought it was deliberate because they often look like they are and it is just a case for me of trying to get myself into a better starting position, even when I am genuinely trying to catch an interception.
“What it did do in all seriousness was make it hard for the team, but thankfully the boys dug us out during those 10 minutes.”
Reflecting on a memorable day for him and the club as a whole, he added: “Last weekend was one of the highlights of my career and I am sure most of the boys would say the same.
“It was a great atmosphere, we knew what to expect because we had played videos of it in our team meetings during the week, and we rose to the challenge.
“One to 23, and even the boys who were travelling reserves, played their part magnificently.
“They executed their roles and that is why we were able to achieve such a win.
“All I was thinking was to make the most of the opportunity and that is how I saw it rather than feeling any great pressure.
Tickets for Sunday’s visit of Montpellier are available by calling 0871 226 6060.