RICHARDS: TAULAVA GREAT CAPTURE
The Tongan back-row, 31, was announced as the Falcons’ fourth new signing ahead of the 2014-15 season, and whilst much of the focus is on gaining precious points at the Madejski Stadium this weekend, Richards took time to reflect on the capture of Taulava.
“He’s a big boy and he undoubtedly made a difference against us when he came off the bench here at Kingston Park for the last 20 minutes,” said Richards.
“He makes an impact and you certainly wouldn’t want to run down his channels too often. He’s fantastic with ball in hand, a massive unit and he’s English qualified which is a huge bonus.
“I feel his game will really compliment what we are trying to achieve at the club,” he added.
Taulava follows Leeds Carnegie lock Calum Green, Rotherham Titans centre Juan Pablo Socino and Bristol Rugby scrum-half Ruki Tipuna in deciding to make the switch to the North East next term as the re-building process continues on Tyneside.
Now Richards wants his current crop of players to sweep aside their defeat at home to Worcester a fortnight ago with victory in Berkshire on Sunday.
He said: “There were a lot of upset people in the changing room following the game and they know that the performance wasn’t acceptable, but we have to bury that, forget about the result and look forward.
“There are four games to go and for us it is about winning the next game and the next game after that. If we win the next game it will make a big difference.”
Turning his attention to the Exiles, Richards added: “On paper London Irish have a fantastic team don’t they with Ian Humphreys, Shane Gerahty and James O’Conor in their ranks.
“They are a really good team, and with Brian Smith at the helm they are very well-coached so they will be a big threat this weekend.”