Harris eyeing European double to press qualification hopes
Newcastle Falcons Chris Harris is looking backing the team to rise to the challenge of Newport Gwent Dragons this weekend, when the two clubs meet in round five of the European Rugby Challenge Cup.
The two sides occupy the top two places in Pool 3 with the Welsh region ahead of the Falcons by a solitary point, meaning the outcome of the match can have a massive bearing on determining who will qualify as group winners and the occasion is not lost on the Cumbrian.
“It’s a big game this week as we have the opportunity to progress into the knock out rounds for the first time in a long time and if we win against the Dragons, then we don’t go into the game over at Bucharest needing to win to qualify.”
“They are a very physical side and we will need to match that physicality to be able to compete and then be able to impose our own game plan onto the match.”
In a competition that has seen the young centre make breakthrough performances that have earned him his first appearances in the Aviva Premiership, Harris is hoping the club can progress against Saracens and Northampton Saints, the 24 year old is just enjoying his time turning out in a Falcons shirt.
“I think the Challenge Cup is a really important competition and personally, I want us to win it and I know it’s true of everyone that we want to go as far as we can.”
“It’s a great tournament that gives the opportunity to a lot of young players to put in performances and have the chance to challenge the guys who are playing in the premiership games, although I’m not that young anymore!”
Having emerged triumphant with a 26 – 30 win in a pulsating game in Newport last October, Harris says his team mates do have performance to find if they want to make it a double over the Welsh region.
“Down at Rodney Parade, I think we had another gear to get into. In the first half we didn’t play particularly well and we didn’t get a great deal of the ball so I think we can find quite a bit more in terms of our performance ahead of Saturday.”
Tickets for Saturday’s game are still available starting from £15 for adults and £7.50 for Under 16s and can be booked by clicking [here][1] calling 0871 2266060 or visiting the Kingston Park box office during office hours.
[1]: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/newcastle-falcons/default.aspx
