We must focus on fine detail to improve
COOPS LOVES CHALLENGE
KYLE Cooper says fixing the little things will make a big difference for Newcastle Falcons as they prepare to host Gloucester in Sunday’s Gallagher Premiership clash.
The 3.00 Kingston Park kick-off sees Newcastle going for their third successive league win after beating Bath and Northampton, determined to improve on their recent Heineken Champions Cup losses to Edinburgh.
The South African hooker, who has made 35 appearances for the club since joining just over two years ago, said: “It has been frustrating to be leading at half-time over the past two games against Edinburgh but not being able to turn those leads into victories and it is something we are working hard to put right.
“It is only small tweaks which we need to make and I honestly think as a club things are starting to turn the right way for us again.
“Those games we were winning last year by a small margin, we will get back to that I am sure.
“It is just basic stuff we need to fix, like the last pass, and it is nothing too hard. We have had a big focus on it this week, all with the intention of going out on Sunday and being really precise with everything we do.”
Refusing to blame injuries despite the Falcons being hit hard, Cooper added: “Injuries are part of the game and we have been hit in key positions - but every club will be in a similar boat at some point during the season so it is nothing we are going to complain about.
“We have a great medical and conditioning staff who will have the guys back in good shape as quickly as they can and we have a lot of depth within our squad with guys ready to take their opportunities when other players drop out.”
Keen to get the Falcons moving up the Premiership table but well aware of the chal- lenge posed by Sunday’s opponents, the 29-year-old added: “We know Gloucester will be physical but we thrive on the challenge of fronting up against those kinds of packs and we are determined to present that physical edge to our game.
“If we do our job up front we also have amazing backs who can finish things off and we don’t mind as forwards if those guys get the glory.
“Gloucester are a good side with key individuals who lead the game for them but we will not be worrying too much about them in the build-up.
“It is more about getting our own stuff right and if we do that it should be enough to see us through and get the win.”
The pre-Christmas home fixture is always a popular one, Cooper s hopeful the volume can be raised at a busy Kingston
Park Stadium.
Tickets for the game are available by calling 0871
226 6060.
It is only small tweaks we need to make and I honestly think... things are starting to turn the right way for us