Richards expects fiery encounter against Dragons
Falcons Director of Rugby Dean Richards has hailed the quality of this season’s European Rugby Challenge cup as the club host Newport Gwent Dragons this Saturday (kick off 15:15)
The Falcons head into the game one point behind the Dragons at the top of the pool table with a win for either club will hand them a huge advantage in securing the pool winners spot, with Richards backing his squad to seize that advantage.
“We have enjoyed a good run in the pool stages of the competition to date and we are fully prepared for what we expect will be a physical and abrasive game. The Dragons have let it be known they are coming here fired up and determined to take the points.”
“They are a quality side with a number of top players like Hallam Amos, Toby Faletau and Tom Prydie and they have the firepower to do us damage if we don’t give them all due respect but I know Mark [Laycock] and Jimmy [Ponton] won’t allow any complacency to come in.”
In what has been a strong pool, with any of the Dragons, Falcons or Stade Francais able to make the knock out stages, Richards is keen to hail the quality of the group and the effect that has had on his team.
“There is some real quality in the Challenge Cup this year and that has really helped our players. We have been using the competition as an opportunity to give the club’s young talent an opportunity to showcase their skills, which they have duly done and then gone on to make their Aviva Premiership debuts.
“So far, we have seen Chris Harris, Tom Penny and Sean Robinson make that step and they will play an integral part in this weekend game.”
Tickets for tomorrows game are still available and start from £15 for adults and £7.50 for under 16s. To book click [here][1] call 0871 2266060 or visit the Kingston Park box office, which will be open until kick off.
[1]: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/newcastle-falcons/default.aspx
