High stakes for Friday’s northern ‘derby’
Newcastle and Sale are both very much in the hunt for the Premiership semi-finals, the Falcons sat in fifth place with Sale just a point behind them in sixth.
The Sharks are in fine form following their last-minute win over Wasps last weekend, while the Falcons are unbeaten at Kingston Park Stadium since November in all competitions.
Newcastle chiselled out a 13-12 victory when the two teams last met at AJ Bell Stadium back in October, but Falcons boss Dean Richards knows his team will have a game on their hands on Friday.
“Sale are an outstanding side and Steve Diamond has done a great job in putting that squad together,” said the director of rugby.
“They have enjoyed some very positive results over the course of the season and are a side who demand a lot of respect. I’m sure they would say the same about us, and from a regional perspective it’s great to see two teams from the north of England making such a mark.”
Richards added: “Friday’s game has a huge amount riding on it in terms of qualification for the Premiership semi-finals or securing Champions Cup rugby for next season. It really is a massive 80 minutes and it should be a cracking atmosphere at Kingston Park.
“The players really enjoy the floodlit games and it certainly seems to get the crowd going when we play here on a Friday. The supporters up here have been absolutely tremendous with us this season, and I’m sure that will be the case again.”
Tickets for Friday’s 7.45pm kick-off against Sale Sharks are available by [**clicking here**][1] or calling 0871 226 6060.
[1]: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/newcastle-falcons/EDP/Event/Index/1287?
