Cooper outlines focus for Harlequins game
The 3pm kick-off has proved a big draw with supporters, more than 9,000 tickets having been sold for the Aviva Premiership clash.
And Cooper, whose side are going for a fourth successive victory in all competitions, said ahead of the game: “Harlequins are a good side with top players, but the same was said about Northampton three weeks ago with all their England boys coming back.
“We’re not bothered about who’s playing for them and who’s not, we’re concentrating on ourselves because we know if we bring our A-game we can take any team home or away.
“They’re a big side who like to take it round the corner with their ball-carriers, we have to front up and stop that at source, and then they have backs who can light it up from anywhere. In saying that I wouldn’t change any of our own backs because we can go right from our own goal line, as we’ve shown.”
Putting aside any thoughts of the festive season as he gets stuck into his second season in England, the former Sharks front-rower said: “Christmas has to take a back seat for the moment because we’ve got a huge game to win on Saturday, and if we want to be in the top six or the play-offs these are the matches we need to come through.
“The boys are all focused and ready to go, we want to win every game and we’re working through the detail which will enable us to do that. The boys who have played in the European games have stepped up to the mark over the past fortnight and the guys who are playing on the weekend will be looking to continue that.”
Playing in front of what could end up being a second sell-out crowd of the season, Cooper added: “Our fans always makes a big difference for us, and with the ground either full or nearly full it will be even better in terms of getting the guys going.”
Tickets for Saturday’s 3pm kick-off are available by calling 0871 226 6060 or [**clicking here**][1].
[1]: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/newcastle-falcons/EDP/Event/Index/1283
