Same again for Falcons as Sharks offer big test
RICHARDS’ MEN LOOK TO BUILD ON WIN AT BATH
NEWCASTLE Falcons have stuck with a winning formula for tonight’s Gallagher Premiership home game against Sale Sharks, retaining the same starting XV from last weekend’s opening-day victory at Bath.
The only change from the matchday 23 which earned a 19-12 triumph at The Rec comes on the bench, where Darren Barry has recovered from injury to take up a spot as second-row cover.
Insisting his players have not gone overboard in their reaction to last week’s result in their first competitive match for eight and a half months, director of rugby Dean Richards (below) said: “It was great to finally have the opportunity of being back out there but, like anything, you cannot rest on your laurels.
“The players all understand that, we have all parked last week now and everyone is looking forward to what we know is a massive game on Friday night against a very good Sale Sharks side.
“We still have work to do on our game and nobody is getting carried away after one win.
“Last weekend has given us a huge amount of belief but at the same time it is a fine balance between that and being overconfident.
“You cannot over-react to a victory, just as you don’t over-react to a defeat.
“You just need to have a consistent understanding of what it takes to win each time you take the field.”
The last time Newcastle and Sale met was at St James’ Park in March 2019 when the Falcons ground out a 22-17 triumph in front of more than 27,000 supporters - and Richards is full of respect for his northern rivals. He added: “Our first three games are all against clubs who finished in the top five last season and I think everyone would agree Sale were a genuine semifinal team but for the cancellation of their last game due to Covid. “They bring enormous physicality - it will be a step up from last weekend and we need to be ready for that. “Steve Diamond and his team do a great job over there, they have a really strong squad at their disposal and it is an exciting challenge for us to be going up against them.
“Our guys are realistic, they understand where they are and they have clarity about the next task in front of them.
“Last weekend’s result makes for a happy camp but it has quite quickly been put to one side just to allow us to crack on with preparing for Sale Sharks.”
Sparing a thought for the Falcons’ faithful who will be following from afar, Richards added: “It is desperately sad our supporters cannot be here to see the game because they make such a difference and we relish giving them that enjoyment.
“However, it is the new normal and we just have to get on with it for the time being.
“We know they will be watching on the TV, listening on the radio or following on social media, and we appreciate all the messages they continue to send. “Of course, we look forward to the day when we can have them back inside the stadium and they are certainly in our thoughts the whole time.”
Our guys are realistic, they understand where they are and have clarity about the task ahead Dean Richards