Richards is facing hard choices for Tigers’ visit
DEAN Richards says competition for places is making selection difficult for Newcastle Falcons’ return to Aviva Premiership action on Sunday, when Leicester Tigers visit Kingston Park Stadium.
The Falcons look set for their first sell-out crowd in more than nine years as they host the club with which Richards spent the majority of his playing career, going on to coach them to four Premiership titles and a pair of European Cups.
However, with Newcastle placed fourth in the table and top of their European group, there has been no shortage of options for the England and Lions great as he prepared for today’s team announcement.
Having defeated both Dragons and Bordeaux-Begles, Falcons’ director of rugby Richards said: “We have had two weeks in Europe and kept up the momentum, the beauty of which is selection has been really difficult this week. Whichever team we go with there will be boys disappointed at missing out, but we are in a good place at the moment due to the competition we have for every position.
“That is exactly what you want and the beauty of what we have done over the past six to eight weeks is we have given people opportunities which they have taken.”
The Tigers were onepoint winners in last year’s corresponding fixture, Richards full of respect for his former club.
He added: “Leicester are a good team and are also coming into this game with momentum from their big European win over Castres last weekend. They are a hard-nosed team who have a certain amount of finesse – not as much as us, but at the same time they bring a hard edge to their game and a bit of niggle. “At times in the past we have struggled a bit against that side of things but we will see how things go this weekend. “I am sure the officials will be on top of certain things particular players of theirs like to do. “We have a lot of respect for Leicester and on paper they are an outstanding side. “However, with the money they have spent on their squad they should be in the top four year in, year out. “They will have been disappointed with the last few years in terms of not winning anything and ultimately that will be their goal.”
All the signs are pointing towards Kingston Park Stadium being a 10,200 sell-out for the first time since May 2008.
Richards said: “It will be a fantastic atmosphere on Sunday and there is nothing better than Kingston Park when it is a sell-out.
“I played here when it was like that, the atmosphere is unbelievable and myself and the players are all really looking forward to it.
“Ultimately, we have to get it into our head this is just as big as any other game and it is what happens out on the field which matters.
“Other things will have to be put to one side but it should be a great occasion and we are looking forward to it.”
The last few hundred tickets for Sunday’s game are available by calling 0871 226 6060. TWO things have been well documented about Esh Group Eagles Newcastle since the start of the season – their unbeaten 5-0 start and the impact of their backcourt duo of Saah Nimley and Jaysean Paige.
However, two players don’t make a team and it does appear that this Eagles roster is one that runs deeper than in previous years. And it’s certainly made up of different types of players, some who may even seem “un-Eagle” like. Step forward Zarko Jukic.
The 6’ 7” Danish international has started every game so far for Newcastle and is the archetypical role/team player that every roster needs. Not sure of that? Well, 7.4 points, 6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.4 steals and 1.6 blocks per game should convince you of his athletic worth at both ends of the floor.
With the Eagles having a weekend off, Jukic reflected on the superb start to the season his new team have made.
“Five wins – you can’t ask for much better than that,” he said. “Obviously the last two games we struggled a little bit, but we found a way to come back in those two games and get the wins.
“It’s good for the confidence and shows that edge and togetherness we have as a team to come back from those deficits.
“Most teams in those sort of circumstances would let their heads go down but we showed how together we are and how determined we are and got those wins.”
With the changes to Newcastle’s roster this term many were unsure of what the starting five might be like and how all would fit in to the team chemistry.
Jukic has certainly showed an appetite for the fight.
“Last year in Spain I came off the bench so it’s a little different starting,” he said. “I did think I might start this year, but even if I didn’t I’d still play the same way.
“I’ve played different roles throughout my career, so starting or coming off the bench, I don’t mind, as long as I can contribute and play.”
Next weekend sees Cheshire Phoenix arriving in Toon for a BBL Cup quarter-final clash. The Eagles are the Cup Holders but Jukic has another reason for looking forward to the game.
“I get to play against Alassan Touray who plays for Cheshire. He’s an international team-mate and someone I know well so it’s going to be a lot of fun to see him and play against him and his team.”