Falcons must fly as one to snap losing run - Takulua

NEWCASTLE scrum-half Tane Takulua has called on his side to get back to winning ways ahead of a tough-looking festive period.

The Falcons crashed to their second heavy defeat in the European Challenge Cup away to Lyon last Friday, a much-changed side losing 42-12 despite taking an early lead at the Matmut Stadium through Dan Temm’s try.

They are now third in Pool 2 and trail leaders Ospreys by 10 points. Realistically, they need to win all three remaining games, with bonus points, to stand any chance of qualifying for the knockout stages as one of the best runners-up.

With consecutive games to come against the Premiership’s top three, Saracens, Wasps and Bath, 25-year-old Tongan Takulua says there is a determination to put the record straight in today’s return match.

“We had two good wins in a row, against big teams (Northampton and Harlequins) and we’ve just got to get that winning routine back again,” he said.

“The boys were a bit disappointed with the way they performed last weekend and have been pumped up in training this week.

“If we all believe, I think we still have a chance to qualify. We’re not looking beyond today though.”

Analysing where things went wrong in France, Takalua said: “I think we played like individuals rather than play as a team.”

Takulua starts his seventh game of the season, ahead of England Saxons scrum-half Michael Young.

“I didn’t get much game time in the last couple of seasons but this season has been a new start for myself and a new start for the Falcons. I don’t know whether that’s because of injuries or my form, but I’ve just got to keep doing what I am doing and hopefully I’ll stay in the team.”

Another high point in Takulua’s season came whilst on international duty, as it was his last- minute kick that gave the ‘Ikale Tahi a famous away win over Springbok-slayers Italy.

“I was very proud of the boys, I wasn’t thinking about myself when that kick went over. I was just thinking about how hard the boys worked and the belief they had for us to get back down in their half and win the penalty with two minutes left to play. We set a record for the country as we’ve never had three wins in a row before.”

Takulua played in all four of Tonga’s games at RWC 2015, including the fixture against the All Blacks at St James’ Park, which could be the venue for the 2018 European Champions Cup final if Newcastle’s bid to host finals weekend is successful.

“It would be a good thing not just for us as a club but for Newcastle as a whole. Hopefully it’ll happen” he said. “I’ve no doubt the atmosphere would be as good as it was for the World Cup.”

Captain Mark Wilson is among the returning players as Falcons make eight changes.

Wilson forms part of a rejigged back row with Daniel Temm shifting to the blindside as Callum Chick replaces Harrison Orr at No 8.

Calum Green returns at lock after serving his suspension while Jon Welsh is at tighthead.

Takulua and Joel Hodgson team up at half-backs with Dan Marshall andJuan Pablo Socino also brought in.