By David Parry
February 21 2004

Saracens look to the Newcastle Falcons game with renewed optimism after a superior performance against Northampton Saints and the news that Sale’s Assistant Coach Steve Diamond will join the Men in Black much earlier than expected. Sale’s prompt promotion of Pete Anglesea to forwards coach and demotion of Diamond to ‘gardening leave’ means that the former hooker will arrive in Watford on March 8th rather than at the start of the 2004/2005 season as was initially planned. Diamond will hope to end Saracens' inconsistency on the pitch and to bring a bit of consistent optimism to the Saracens faithful.

Alex Codling is the only change to a pack that seems to have adjusted well to his now rather frequent absences. Codling is still, however, a vital component of the Saracens’ set piece and his return is a welcome boost to the side. Ben Broster’s exit from the field of play towards the end of Sunday’s game has not kept the twenty-one-year-old out of the side, as he continues to impress in the front row. Ryan Peacey and Kris Chesney also retain their places in the back row after excellent displays against Saints.

Kyran Bracken drops to the bench after an indifferent game against Northampton, Morgan Williams earning his start, impressing after coming off the bench. Nicky Little is unable to compete for a position in the centre after he was charged with striking an opponent at the weekend, so Ben Johnston and Kevin Sorrell are the preferred midfield combination. Richard Haughton is also back in the side after his return from the U.S leg of the IRB World Sevens Series in Los Angeles along with Tony Roques, who takes his place on the bench at the expense of Ben Russell and Daniel Legge. Darragh O’Mahony drops to the bench despite an excellent display last Sunday and Robbie Kydd is rewarded with another start at 15 after some commanding performances in recent games. Castaignede continues at fly half despite recovering from injury.

The Falcons are eighth in the Zurich Premiership and this has to be a must-win game for the Men in Black. Saracens are generally strong at home and, despite a poor performance against Montferrand, have not been bad value for money of late. Nonetheless, Saracens must turn good performances into good results and Newcastle at home on Sunday is a good place to start.

Saracens team to face Newcastle Falcons: 22/02/04

1. Emiliano Bergamaschi
2. Raphael Ibanez
3. Ben Broster
4. Simon Raiwalui
5. Alex Codling
6. Kris Chesney
7. Ryan Peacey
8. Taine Randell
9. Morgan Williams
10. Thomas Castaignede
11. Paul Bailey
12. Kevin Sorrell
13. Ben Johnston
14. Richard Haughton
15. Robbie Kydd

16. Johnny Marsters
17. James Parkes
18. Craig Yandell
19. Tony Roques
20. Kyran Bracken
21. Darragh O’Mahony
22. Denis Cech