Hardie eyeing third successive league victory
The Falcons have beaten Bath and Northampton in their last two league outings, Hardie insisting back-to-back European losses against Edinburgh have focused attention on the small details going into Sunday’s 3pm kick-off.
“We didn’t achieve the two results we wanted against Edinburgh but there are definitely bits we can take from both games, especially in the first halves because we were leading at half-time on both occasions,” said the 16-times-capped Scotland international.
“Our accuracy let us down and we left a lot of points on the field, but there are certainly positive elements we can take from it going into the Gloucester game on Sunday.
“We created a lot of opportunities – last weekend alone we had five clean line-breaks – but we only converted one of them. Edinburgh were more clinical in scoring two tries from their three line-breaks, and it’s just those little things that we’ve been working really hard on to get it right.”
Facing a Gloucester side who were beaten at home by Exeter last time out, Hardie said: “We know we’re going to be up against a really physical Gloucester team who have a lot of skill and pace out wide, they’re a really well-drilled and well-coached outfit and it’ll be an intense game.
“They’ve got threats in the back three and the midfield but we’ve got just as many, so as much as we’ll have our work cut out on the day, so will Gloucester.
“If your defence is really good when Gloucester are counter-attacking you can turn that into an opportunity for your own team, because turnover ball in that scenario is really dangerous.”
Enjoying a highly physical start to his career as a Falcons player following his mid-season arrival, Hardie has won instant appreciation on the terraces for his abrasive, high-energy playing style.
“As a seven you know you’re going to be absolutely stuffed at the end of every game, and you have to be putting your body on the line for the team,” said the former Highlanders and Edinburgh man.
“You’re involved in a lot of contacts as an open-side and a lot of phases of play, but that’s what I enjoy and I’m looking forward to that challenge this weekend.”
Joining the Falcons in the autumn after a pre-season with French giants Clermont, he added: “Spending the summer with Clermont was a really good experience.
“They’ve got a top-class facility over there, they had a big medical team which helped me with my rehab and even though things didn’t go to plan in terms of getting a contract there I thank them for all the help they gave me and everything I learnt there.
“The fact that I was in good shape as a result of being over in Clermont meant that when the Newcastle opportunity came around I was ready to take it, and I’ve really enjoyed my time here so far.
“The boys are great here, they’re very down to earth and I really enjoy that. I’ve been made to feel very welcome, I’m enjoying my rugby and it’s been a great move. It’s a superb surface here at Kingston Park, the crowd get right behind us and like all the boys I love playing here.”
Tickets for Sunday’s game are available by [**clicking here**][1] or calling 0871 226 6060.
[1]: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/newcastle-falcons/EDP/Event/Index/1383
