FALCONS ARE READY THE CHALLENGE

Dean Richards says Newcastle are ready for the challenge posed by a Mo n t p e l l i er si d e “f u l l of international stars” in today’s Heineken Champions Cup clash.

The Falcons return to European action following a spectacular 26- 25 away victory over threetime European champions Toulon last weekend.

It has put them in the Pool Five driving seat, but Richards expects a fearsome test against a Montpellier team containing the likes of Louis Picamoles, Aaron Cruden, Ruan Pienaar and Benjamin Fall.

“Montpellier have consistently been one of the best sides in France for the past few years now,” Newcastle rugby director Richards told the club’s official website.

“In that respect it’s going to be a huge test, but it’s Kingston Park, it’s our ground and our crowd, and you just never know what can happen.

“Montpellier are stuffed full of international stars from all over the world, so this old thing about the French not travelling well just doesn’t apply.

“They’ve done it on a regular basis, and 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.

“Obviously, we’ve 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.”

Richards has made three changes to the side that edged out Toulon, with wing Vereniki Goneva returning to action, No. 8 Ryan Burrows replacing an injured Nemani Nagusa and lock Calum Green taking over from Willwitty.