Deano: It’s bubbling here but we need to scrap on
DEAN Richards admits his Falcons will need to sharpen their claws and scrap even harder to ensure they do not fall back to earth with a nasty bump this season.
Newcastle’s director of rugby is only too aware how quickly fortunes can change in the game having suffered the highs and lows of top flight rugby as player and coach over the years.
However, the former England No.8 also insists his players are more than capable of cementing their place in the top six in England having surprised so many with their fourth spot last May.
Richards says: “The main objective is to remain in the top six and that is going to take a lot of doing. It will need an even bigger effort on the training field and on the pitch to do so. The players will be well aware of what is expected of them, and what is needed.
“We are under no illusions what huge challenges lie ahead both domestically and in the Champions Cup.
“The expectations the players have themselves will be raised as a result of what they achieved last season. But then again players want to pit themselves against the best opposition, and showing what they can do.
“It’s going to be harder this year because we are now competing with the very top teams in Europe. We have an extremely tough pool with Montpellier, Toulon and Edinburgh. All three will be difficult to beat.”
Falcons drew a record 30,174 crowd for their big match against Northampton Saints at St James’ Park in March, a match they won 25-22.
Richards added: “The atmosphere around the club is brilliant. These are exciting times for Newcastle. We showed just how things are developing and growing in the area with the game we held at St James’ Park last season. We will be trying to recreate that fun, excitement and atmosphere at Kingston Park.”
Falcons will need to start the new campaign as well as they finished the last as they face two difficult contests in the opening weekends. They host champions Saracens next Sunday, and then travel to Welford Road.
Richards insists: “It is a tough start but at the same time you have to play everybody at home and away during the season, and the players will relish the prospect of having Sarries at our place first up.
“The Premiership gets harder each year because there are so many very good teams improving themselves and now fighting it out.
“You can probably pick two or three of the top four but then again you have several clubs also fighting to avoid that relegation spot because it’s such a competitive league.”