Robinson: We’re taking Cup competitions seriously
Fresh from a trip to Romania which saw him come off the bench to help his team book a place in the quarter finals of the European Rugby Challenge Cup, Second Row Sean Robinson recognises there is work to be done this weekend if the Falcons are to progress in the domestic cup competition.
“We’ve taken both competitions very seriously and this weekend’s game against Sale is a big one for us. If we want to have any chance of progressing in the LV= Cup we have to win this game, so we’re hoping for a good win.”
Despite a disappointing start in the competition, losing away to Northampton Saints in round one and then falling by a single point at home to Cardiff Blues the following week, the Falcons are still very much in contention for progression as they head into round three of the competition this weekend.
Robinson says: “The first two games were disappointing results. We played well in patches but were poor in some other parts and we have to be honest about that.
“Heading into this weekend we’ve focused on our game; doing our stuff right. We’re looking to start well and sustain that through the game to put in a full 80 minute performance, and hopefully we can carry that through for a good performance which will hopefully lead to a win.”
Having begun the season on dual registration with Championship side Rotherham Titans Robinson returned to the North East during the Falcons’ first cup window, making his first start for the club away to Newport in the second round of the European competition then going on to score his first try in a Falcons’ shirt a few weeks later against Stade Francais.
“The Stade game was a highlight, both on a personal level and as an overall team performance. But also the first Newport game away – it was my first start for Newcastle and we really ground out a win so that was great team performance to be part of.
“It’s always nice as a player to do your job well and be part of those good team performances.”
Another such performance was last weekend’s 10-52 victory over Bucharest Wolves, in which the Durham University graduate played 40 minutes.
“It was a good trip to be involved in, with a really good win out there too. Again we felt like we left a few points out there, but we will look to learn from that and implement some of the changes we have tried to make this week.”
Despite a strong start to his first season of full-time professional rugby, 23-year-old Robinson recognises that there is no room for complacency.
“I’ve enjoyed my first year. I’ve been quite lucky to have a reasonable amount of success so far but I still have a lot to learn so it’s all about keeping a level head.
“I’m just looking to keep trying to progress and keep speaking to the older guys to learn as much as I can.”
This weekend’s LV= Cup fixture against Sale Sharks kicks off at 3pm on Sunday, 1st February. Tickets for the game are available now [online][1], in person from the East Stand Box office or by calling the club’s 24 hour Ticket Hotline on 0871 226 6060, starting from just £15 for adults or £7.50 for juniors.
[1]: http://www.newcastlefalcons.co.uk/Pages/Tickets/info
