Steve Diamond says he learned a lot about his Newcastle Falcons squad during Saturday’s 35-15 loss to Ospreys.

The EPCR Challenge Cup clash in Swansea saw a much-changed line-up battling until the end, but ultimately consigned to a third consecutive loss in the competition.

Speaking after the game, the director of rugby said: “It was a gutsy performance in many respects, but I thought 20 points was a fair margin for the Ospreys.

“They were better than us and showed a bit of class, but we troubled them in the first half.

“We coped well in the back-field but Ospreys were more clinical, and in the second half we were a little bit frantic defensively. We gave away two quick tries and that was pretty much the game gone, but it was good to see us fighting til the end.”

Diamond added: “We gave chances to a lot of lads, and a number of them took them.

“Some didn’t, and that’s also useful for me to know at this time of year when I’m looking at contract renewals and such like.

“The club has been in a difficult place and we’re trying to steer our way through it, and some of the youth today through our academy I thought did really well. There were one or two lads who didn’t, and it’s not all positive, but at least we’re honest about it and we know where we stand.”

With one group game to go in the tournament, the Falcons boss said: “We had two close but disappointing results against Pau and the Dragons which have really cost us, but we’ve always taken it seriously.

“Yes, we made a lot of changes this week, but we had a load of guys absolutely out on their feet from backing up week after week in the Premiership. Some of them will come back into contention for Friday at home to Montpellier, but to be fair a few guys from today also put their hand up for selection for that game, so I’ve got some decisions to make.

“We’re a ‘nearly’ team at the moment, which is the most disappointing thing, but we’re determined to end the pool stage on a positive note with a big performance against Montpellier in front of our home fans.”