McGuigan primed for Gloucester clash
Newcastle Falcons hooker George McGuigan believes his side have made the most of the extended build up to Saturday’s Aviva Premiership Rugby match against Gloucester Rugby and are ready to face the Cherry & Whites in the 3pm Kick Off.
With the semi finals of rugby’s European Cups taking place last weekend, the Falcons were left with a fallow weekend, with the coaches using the extra week to alter the training schedule to make use of the available time.
McGuigan said: “The break has given us a chance to do much more in preparing for the game, but at the same time, it has allowed us to bring a bit of variety into the timetable and keep us all fresh for the game.”
“We’ve gotten through everything we need to, but with Gloucester being another team that like to move the ball a bit, then having a little bit extra in the tank for the game will hopefully be a good thing.”
Having defeated Gloucester 20-10 at Kingston Park back in November, David Humphreys side were emphatic in their defeat of Exeter in last weekend’s European Rugby Challenge Cup semi final, underlining the challenge that lie in wait for Dean Richards side.
McGuigan however believes he and his team mates are well prepared to meet that challenge head on.
“Gloucester are a very good side with a big pack who like to come around the corner so it’s going to be a battle for us in the pack, but then they also have very dangerous backs who we will have to try and contain.”
“It should be a pretty open game as both teams like to play with the ball in hand. We played them at the same time of year last season and it was a really high scoring game so both teams know how to attack.”
With 45 tries already in the bank for the season, the Falcons have been showing that ability throughout the campaign and it is something that the 22 year old has relished.
“The attacking game plan makes it really good fun to play and for me, it allows me to carry the ball quite a bit which is something that I enjoy doing and there are plenty of opportunities to do that with the way we play now.”
With the season now well into its final quarter, McGuigan says the focus now is to use those games to ensure that firm foundations are laid for the 2015/16 season and build on the improvements made this season.
“We’re not looking at the season being over, not at all. There are three games to be played with points available and it’s important that we use the games to build for next season.”
“We’re looking to keep progressing and finish higher up the table next year and these last three games are important to help us build for next time.”
“We have shown potential this year and if we cut out the little errors, results will start to come.”
