Falcons ring changes for Montpellier
NEWCASTLE Falcons have made three changes for tomorrow’s battle of the two unbeaten teams in Heineken Champions Cup Pool Five.
Montpellier visit Kingston Park seven days on from the Falcons’ stunning 26-25 victory in Toulon.
Premiership Player of the Season Vereniki Goneva returns on the right wing after missing the opening round with a head knock.
Fellow Fijian Nemani Nagusa misses out after injuring his calf last weekend - Ryan Burrows taking his place - and the only other addition to the side is Calum Green, who returns to the second row in place of Will Witty.
“Montpellier have consistently been one of the best sides in France for the past few years now,” said Richards of tomorrow’s opponents, who are sat fourth in the French Top 14 after reaching last season’s final.
“In that respect it is going to be a huge test but it is Kingston Park, but it is our ground and our crowd and you just never know what can happen up here.
“Montpellier are stuffed full of international stars from all over the world, so this old thing about the French not travelling well just does not apply.
“They have done it on a regular basis, we are certainly not being sucked into any complacency on that front, but they will have to be a good side to come to Kingston Park and beat us.
“We have our own game plan, our own style and shape, and it is all about imposing that on to the opposition rather than overly worrying about what they are going to do.
“We have done our analysis on Montpellier and we know what they are about but it is about executing our own stuff on the day and nailing those opportunities when they come.”
Adamant his team has quickly switched focus following Sunday’s heroics in Toulon, Richards said: “Last weekend was great.
“We were massive underdogs – somebody told me afterwards we were more than 7/1 for the win on the day apparently – so to win in the manner we did speaks volumes for the lads.”
Tickets for tomorrow’s game are available by calling 0871 226 6060.
Newcastle Falcons team to face Montpellier (Tomorrow, 1pm, Kingston Park Stadium): 15 Alex Tait, 14 Vereniki Goneva, 13 Tom Penny, 12 Johnny Williams, 11 Sinoti Sinoti, 10 Joel Hodgson, 9 Michael Young, 1 Sami Mavinga, 2 Kyle Cooper, 3 David Wilson, 4 Calum Green, 5 Glen Young, 6 Mark Wilson (captain), 7 Gary Graham, 8 Ryan Burrows
Replacements: 16 George McGuigan, 17 Adam Br,ocklebank, 18 Logovi’i Mulipola, 19 Will Witty, 20 Callum Chick, 21 Sonatane Takulua, 22 Brett Connon, 23 Chris Harris. Referee: Mike Adamson (Scotland).