Newcastle Red Bulls
Team news v Gloucester Sun 23rd Dec - Matavesi Returns
Gloss
By Aidanb
December 21 2018
Josh Matavesi returns from a three-and-a-half-month injury lay-off as Newcastle Falcons host Gloucester in Sunday’s Gallagher Premiership clash at Kingston Park Stadium. The Fijian international was a mainstay of the side which reached three semi-finals last season but suffered an ankle injury in the second game of the current campaign, Matavesi replacing the injured Johnny Williams in a team showing five changes from the one which hosted Edinburgh last weekend. Alex Tait replaces the injured Sinoti Sinoti on the left wing, Samoan international Logovi’i Mulipola returning to fitness to start at tight-head prop. Calum Green is back having been a late withdrawal last weekend, Gary Graham coming into a rejigged back row with the injured Nemani Nagusa missing out.
On the bench there is a return for fit-again prop David Wilson and scrum-half Michael Young, head coach Dave Walder and his side keen to register a third successive Gallagher Premiership victory after beating Bath and Northampton in their last two league outings.
Walder said: “This is a potentially pivotal part of the season for us as we move into this three-game Gallagher Premiership block.
“We took two wins from our last three-game block in the league, and it’s an exciting time of the year with a big and noisy crowd expected here on Sunday. There’ll be a good turn-out and the atmosphere will be buzzing, we just need to make sure we turn up and play well on the day.”
Keen to learn the lessons from their recent Heineken Champions Cup losses to Edinburgh having built a half-time lead in both games, the former England fly-half said: “We created a lot of opportunities against Edinburgh but just didn’t take them, and that’s what disappointed us the most.
“Last weekend we gave away three penalties in attack for holding on, which again is disappointing, especially when we’d highlighted pre-match that the referee was really hot on that. When you combine that with the three or four penalties we conceded around half-way, seven turnovers and things like that, you’re going to end up defending inside your own half for most of the game.
“Some of the stuff we played in our own half at times was great, but when you’re playing 60 metres away from the opposition’s try-line you’re not really threatening them as much as you’d like to be. We’ve had a bit of a talk about how we can eliminate that on Sunday, and it’s all about getting us onto the front foot.”
Newcastle won their last Premiership outing against Gloucester when the two teams met at Kingsholm back in March, with Walder expecting an open game from the Cherry and Whites on Sunday.
“Gloucester have brought in a new coaching structure within the past couple of years who are very keen to let their guys have a crack from anywhere,” said the head coach.
“That’s their philosophy, and they’ve had varying degrees of success with it. Some weeks they’ve been absolutely outstanding and others they’ve caused themselves a lot of trouble, but it’s good to see that they’ve maintained their philosophy throughout.
“It’s an exciting brand of rugby and they’ll come here with the confidence that they can turn us over, but I’m pretty confident we’ll see a backlash from last Sunday and that we’ll get the win we want.”
Tickets for Sunday’s game are available by clicking here or calling 0871 226 6060.
Newcastle Falcons team to face Gloucester (Sunday, 3pm, Kingston Park Stadium)
15 Simon Hammersley
14 Vereniki Goneva
13 Chris Harris
12 Josh Matavesi
11 Alex Tait
10 Toby Flood (captain)
9 Sonatane Takulua
1 Sam Lockwood
2 Kyle Cooper
3 Logovi'i Mulipola
4 Calum Green
5 Tevita Cavubati
6 Gary Graham
7 John Hardie
8 Mark Wilson
Replacements
16 George McGuigan
17 Trevor Davison
18 David Wilson
19 Andrew Davidson
20 Ryan Burrows
21 Michael Young
22 Brett Connon
23 Tom Arscott
Referee: Karl Dickson
article is here
Digg
Delicious
Facebook
Reddit
StumbleuponTeam news v Gloucester Sun 23rd Dec - Matavesi Returns
Discussion started by FalconsRugby.org.uk , 21/12/2018 11:17
FalconsRugby.org.uk
21/12/2018 11:17
21/12/2018 11:17
What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.
Great timing for some of those returning. Gone from 0 THs to 3 who can play there in one squad. long may it continue.
Great news to have Josh back in the side. And a few others returning from injury as well.
But Tait on the wing? Why? Over Radwan or Kibirige? They're not as defensively sound but they do so much more than Tait (and most of the rest of the team) in attack. And they won't improve defensively unless they start getting game time!
At this rate they'll be scoring tries against us for another team next year.
But Tait on the wing? Why? Over Radwan or Kibirige? They're not as defensively sound but they do so much more than Tait (and most of the rest of the team) in attack. And they won't improve defensively unless they start getting game time!
At this rate they'll be scoring tries against us for another team next year.
The 23 looks stronger this week
Shame not Snotz tho
Josh should be fresh and ready to go!
Shame not Snotz tho
Josh should be fresh and ready to go!
For me I think Taiit is a good fullback and not a winger. Radwan on the wing most definitely. Hammersley is just not cutting it at the moment.
Glos team
15. Jason Woodward; 14. Charlie Sharples, 13. Billy Twelvetrees, 12. Tom Hudson, 11. Ollie Thorley; 10. Owen Williams, 9. Callum Braley; 1. Josh Hohneck, 2. Jaco Visagie, 3. Ciaran Knight; 4. Ed Slater (capt), 5. Franco Mostert; 6. Freddie Clarke, 7. Lewis Ludlow, 8. Ben Morgan
Replacements:
16. Henry Walker, 17. Paddy McAllister, 18. Fraser Balmain, 19. Tom Savage, 20. Gareth Evans, 21. Willi Heinz, 22. Henry Trinder, 23. Jaco Kriel
Onwards and Upwards!
15. Jason Woodward; 14. Charlie Sharples, 13. Billy Twelvetrees, 12. Tom Hudson, 11. Ollie Thorley; 10. Owen Williams, 9. Callum Braley; 1. Josh Hohneck, 2. Jaco Visagie, 3. Ciaran Knight; 4. Ed Slater (capt), 5. Franco Mostert; 6. Freddie Clarke, 7. Lewis Ludlow, 8. Ben Morgan
Replacements:
16. Henry Walker, 17. Paddy McAllister, 18. Fraser Balmain, 19. Tom Savage, 20. Gareth Evans, 21. Willi Heinz, 22. Henry Trinder, 23. Jaco Kriel
Onwards and Upwards!
I have to echo the above regarding Tait on the wing.
I'm a big fan of Tait but hes a fb, (who I would have over Hammersley everytime.) Hes not a winger. Why is Radwan and Kibirige not playing. What are we not being told? Are they concerned about the defensive aspects that much?
Surely we need to let other teams worry about us offensively aswell?
I'm a big fan of Tait but hes a fb, (who I would have over Hammersley everytime.) Hes not a winger. Why is Radwan and Kibirige not playing. What are we not being told? Are they concerned about the defensive aspects that much?
Surely we need to let other teams worry about us offensively aswell?
Quote:GeordieFalcon
I have to echo the above regarding Tait on the wing.
I'm a big fan of Tait but hes a fb, (who I would have over Hammersley everytime.) Hes not a winger. Why is Radwan and Kibirige not playing. What are we not being told? Are they concerned about the defensive aspects that much?
Surely we need to let other teams worry about us offensively aswell?
11. Ollie Thorley
Tait never lets us down on the wing and scores too ? Never worries me and don't get the Hammersley issue , good under high ball and poses am attacking threat making yards and difficult to tackle or prevent him offloading.
Happy with the side for Sunday and great to see Matavesi and Muliopola back in.
Happy with the side for Sunday and great to see Matavesi and Muliopola back in.
We couldn't possibly have Radwan and Hammersley in the same side as the defence would be non-existent. Taity is on to a loser here - covering wing and fullback defensively is a huge ask against Gloucester.
Great to have a number of first teamers back however have to echo the disappointment of not seeing Radwan. Is his defence really that bad and is he responsible for helping us concede more tries than we’ve scored? He is our Ollie Thornley but not for long if he’s going to be consigned to the stands.
Tait is a good player but like the rest of us I am disappointed neither Radwan or Kibirige have been selected, especially with one of our superstar wingers being injured. You wouldn’t hold it against them for moving on if they are not getting opportunities.
It feels like a nullifying the opposition, cautious move.
It feels like a nullifying the opposition, cautious move.
Quote:Yes he's some talent...but how about them seeing our teamsheet and saying..Radwan!aidanbQuote:GeordieFalcon
I have to echo the above regarding Tait on the wing.
I'm a big fan of Tait but hes a fb, (who I would have over Hammersley everytime.) Hes not a winger. Why is Radwan and Kibirige not playing. What are we not being told? Are they concerned about the defensive aspects that much?
Surely we need to let other teams worry about us offensively aswell?
11. Ollie Thorley
Tait is my starting full back...I just dont think hes as good a winger. It's clear hes there to be solid....
I hope it works though and will be there shouting for the boys...
Quote:steve1888
Tait never lets us down on the wing and scores too ? Never worries me and don't get the Hammersley issue , good under high ball and poses am attacking threat making yards and difficult to tackle or prevent him offloading.
Happy with the side for Sunday and great to see Matavesi and Muliopola back in.
I dont think Hammersley has developed to the level we thought or hoped he might do. I still think Tait is a stronger al round full back.
How often do we see Hammersley go on those runs these days that got everyones attention when he came on the scene...very rare.
I like the look of the team. I m just concerned that Harris looked crocked last week. Our pack looks good. It would be great to see a fully fit 15 of
Mulipola
Cooper
Ah You/welsh
Green
Witty
Wilson
Hardie/welch
Nagusa
Takelua
Flood
Goneva
Matavesi
Williams
Sinoti
Tait
Mulipola
Cooper
Ah You/welsh
Green
Witty
Wilson
Hardie/welch
Nagusa
Takelua
Flood
Goneva
Matavesi
Williams
Sinoti
Tait
Looks like we are expecting a big attendance this weekend
According to the clubs online ticketing system there are
3 West Stand tickets
54 South Stand tickets
Roughly half the North Stand available
According to the clubs online ticketing system there are
3 West Stand tickets
54 South Stand tickets
Roughly half the North Stand available
It's about time we tore someone apart, hopefully it'll be Gloucester!!!!
If Radwan is weak in defence then we should remember it’s a team game and each and every player has faults. I just think the lad has pace something we are sadly lacking. Use it or loose it ??? Give him game time.
I d rather play Bettencourt than an injured Harris. Zach should also be given a chance. Hopefully we are more dynamic in Atack because we were slow and predictable against Edinburgh with little go forward
Gloucester have developed a real tough heavy pack. I hope our scrum and breakdown can cope with them.
They play like a south African team now. They obliterate the contact area and get big runners round the corner. They will play like that more often without cipriani.
It all depends on how it's reffed. If there's a pen early for going off feet in clear out it will be a different game. I am sure they will have met with Karl Dickson about this but i am not sure about his track record with how he officiates
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2018:12:23:11:28:50 by Marco19819.
It all depends on how it's reffed. If there's a pen early for going off feet in clear out it will be a different game. I am sure they will have met with Karl Dickson about this but i am not sure about his track record with how he officiates
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2018:12:23:11:28:50 by Marco19819.
Tait at wing makes me think we still have serious selection issues & are struggling to put out a fully balanced team. I doubt it is easy for the coaches to pick a true FB, which in my opinion is what Taity has become, over one of our wingers, but they will have their reasons. I would guess that it is to plug defensive gaps, maybe discipline gaps, that we saw last weekend rather than what these players offer when going forward. There is no point in refining our attacking capabilities if the coaches know we will leak penalties & points against a strong opposition.
I might be talking cobblers, it may be that in training Taity has looked right for the part. Whatever the reasons, we need to back the boys big style today, and good to see KP filling up.
Let's make some noise.
I might be talking cobblers, it may be that in training Taity has looked right for the part. Whatever the reasons, we need to back the boys big style today, and good to see KP filling up.
Let's make some noise.
Quote:aidanb
Isn’t he a former scrum half ?
Yep. He reffed us very generously last the I saw him up here!
Unprofessional of Cavubati just before half time. Braley suckered him in, with a Falcons put in at scrum. Handbags followed and mass brawl. End result Glocs pen and camped on our line...converted try. 10-6 Glocs at HT instead of in and out of scrum, into touch and 6-3 Falcons. Poor discipline.
I told you that Hannersley was the best full back in the league...setting up that try wonderfully....
We are woeful and 100% in a relegation fight. Whats our attacking coach doing??
Yup...we are 8b serious trouble.
They were poor today ,error after error and we couldn't beat them.
The odd little bit of attack aside we threatened nothing.
They were poor today ,error after error and we couldn't beat them.
The odd little bit of attack aside we threatened nothing.
I must have been watching a different game then. I thought we coughed up the ball (as they did) cheaply at times. The first half was 2 sides playing without invention. The ref did not review the incident just before half time but took the linesman word. The replay showed, to e anyway, that it number 5 did very little wrong. The afters were more serious,
Second half came alight and considering we are bottom and they are third we can consider ourselves unlucky as we matched them all over the pitch.
Still, I am sure many will not agree with me but I enjoyed the second half. Still not sure about 6 coming in at the side for the last penalty either, but that's life
Second half came alight and considering we are bottom and they are third we can consider ourselves unlucky as we matched them all over the pitch.
Still, I am sure many will not agree with me but I enjoyed the second half. Still not sure about 6 coming in at the side for the last penalty either, but that's life
What has happened to the falcons? They have no gameplan, no sense of how to manage a game and no plan B. The team is playing like a newly promoted side that is scared to try anything and just reverts back to type of pick and go. Problem is that they don't have the grunt or the players with the where with all to do the simple things right.
No composure, no plan, seemingly no attacking ideas of any kind, which begs the question.......has Dave Walder been put back in his cupboard?
Flood has looked like he is on his knees for the last few weeks, and was so unfit today, he could not even take the place kicks, so why not just put Connon in from the start?
We are in deep trouble and seemingly have no way out. I do not understand the reluctants to play our younger players, Radwan, Kibirige, Connon and Blocklebank, to name a few have looked really good this season, and have barely had a run of two games between them. No wonder the Falcons hemirage young players.
Really disappointed with the team this season, simply no progress what so ever and we look like the worst team in the league this time around. Not looking good.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2018:12:23:17:10:34 by Running Rugby.
No composure, no plan, seemingly no attacking ideas of any kind, which begs the question.......has Dave Walder been put back in his cupboard?
Flood has looked like he is on his knees for the last few weeks, and was so unfit today, he could not even take the place kicks, so why not just put Connon in from the start?
We are in deep trouble and seemingly have no way out. I do not understand the reluctants to play our younger players, Radwan, Kibirige, Connon and Blocklebank, to name a few have looked really good this season, and have barely had a run of two games between them. No wonder the Falcons hemirage young players.
Really disappointed with the team this season, simply no progress what so ever and we look like the worst team in the league this time around. Not looking good.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2018:12:23:17:10:34 by Running Rugby.
Quote:Falcons_Thunder
We are woeful and 100% in a relegation fight. Whats our attacking coach doing??
Bit of an over reaction no ? They are a good in form team today and it was very small margins it could.of gone either way
So disappointed haven't been with my dad for a while. Our attack seemed poor and for me the scrum was a disappointment. 
Quote:Running Rugby
What has happened to the falcons? They have no gameplan, no sense of how to manage a game and no plan B. The team is playing like a newly promoted side that is scared to try anything and just reverts back to type of pick and go. Problem is that they don't have the grunt or the players with the where with all to do the simple things right.
No composure, no plan, seemingly no attacking ideas of any kind, which begs the question.......has Dave Walder been put back in his cupboard?
Flood has looked like he is on his knees for the last few weeks, and was so unfit today, he could not even take the place kicks, so why not just put Connon in from the start?
We are in deep trouble and seemingly have no way out. I do not understand the reluctants to play our younger players, Radwan, Kibirige, Connon and Blocklebank, to name a few have looked really good this season, and have barely had a run of two games between them. No wonder the Falcons hemirage young players.
Really disappointed with the team this season, simply no progress what so ever and we look like the worst team in the league this time around. Not looking good.
Actually thought flood had one of his better games _ he tackled well in the middle and was pretty solid with the ball if not spectacular
We won the second half, 11 - 10...I just do not get it. it takes 2 sides to play flowing rugby. neither side did in the first half, both opened up in the second. Their two tries were both boring burrow overs, we scored with the best move of the game. We lost out marginally to the team third top. never mind where we finished last season. This is a different year. I would hope that we will not be rock bottom at the end. Look at our fixtures at the start of the season. overall, you play everyone home and away and we have only played 10 games.
I am not suggesting that everything is well in the Garden of Eden, but it is not all bad either.
I am not suggesting that everything is well in the Garden of Eden, but it is not all bad either.
Was hoping we would build on last season but it is not working out that way.
Apart from the result, the performance is a concern.
We just look devoid of ideas, aren’t executing well and the players are not playing good enough rugby to deserve to win games.
I’m not sure how they fix it but the coaching set-up need to sort it quickly.
Or, is the standard of rugby across the league poor this season and inconsistent performances have made it competitive by default?
We just look devoid of ideas, aren’t executing well and the players are not playing good enough rugby to deserve to win games.
I’m not sure how they fix it but the coaching set-up need to sort it quickly.
Or, is the standard of rugby across the league poor this season and inconsistent performances have made it competitive by default?
I thought we were good. One mistake when the box went out on the full and BANG we lose the game!
You cannot play every game with fast flowing rugby.....Arscott was an example, came on late and started to run everything, making mistakes as he went. Did Gloucester play like a team in third? No....was that because they were poor, had a bad game plan or something else. I am as sad as anyone that we lost again at home, but, we secured one point and stay one point behind Worcester as opposed to one point ahead.
Does anyone really think we will be relegated by that points drop. Europe is a distraction, as is that other cup thing....let us field the fringe players now, manage the game time for the seniors and concentrate on making the league position safe
Does anyone really think we will be relegated by that points drop. Europe is a distraction, as is that other cup thing....let us field the fringe players now, manage the game time for the seniors and concentrate on making the league position safe
One moment of ill discipline and we lost that game.
The ref did check with the TMO to see what happened and punished our guy for pushing the scrum half who was rolling the ball away.
The ref did check with the TMO to see what happened and punished our guy for pushing the scrum half who was rolling the ball away.
The melee just before half time that got a penalty for Gloucester instead of the scrum to Falcons resulting in a Gloucester try was a silly mistake which probably turned the game but bringing on Arscott for Matavesi had me scratching my head and Micky Young for Takulua plain lunacy when neither seemed injured and both those substitutions made us worse not better. Frustrating afternoon with a big crowd and worryingly still bottom.
Disappointing to lose but tbh a losing bonus point against the 3rd placed team isn’t exactly a disaster. There’s still only 8 points between bottom and 4th and there’s a long way to go. Not worried about us going down, and with respect to other teams we're certainly not the worst team in the division.
Quote:Exiled Falcon
Disappointing to lose but tbh a losing bonus point against the 3rd placed team isn’t exactly a disaster. There’s still only 8 points between bottom and 4th and there’s a long way to go. Not worried about us going down, and with respect to other teams we're certainly not the worst team in the division.
How are we not the worst team in the league ? We are bottom with the least number of points that would seem to indicate that at present we ARE the poorest team in the league and I’m extremely worried that we can go down.
Gloucester fan in peace.
In all honesty neither team played well today, we missed Cipriani. It shows how tight the league is as you couldn't tell who's 12th and who's 3rd. It could've gone either way today.
For you guys, Goneva and Takulua put in a shift. Goneva was playing like a ninth forward when he was picking and going in the 2nd half.
Your off the field team are doing great stuff as over 9,000 there today despite league position and back to back defeats against Edinburgh. I brought a friend with me today who is a football fan, he enjoyed the experience in the south stand and commented on the different food outlets and the range of beer and lager available.
Good luck for the rest of the season and keep the faith as one win can change everything.
In all honesty neither team played well today, we missed Cipriani. It shows how tight the league is as you couldn't tell who's 12th and who's 3rd. It could've gone either way today.
For you guys, Goneva and Takulua put in a shift. Goneva was playing like a ninth forward when he was picking and going in the 2nd half.
Your off the field team are doing great stuff as over 9,000 there today despite league position and back to back defeats against Edinburgh. I brought a friend with me today who is a football fan, he enjoyed the experience in the south stand and commented on the different food outlets and the range of beer and lager available.
Good luck for the rest of the season and keep the faith as one win can change everything.
Quote:pityacker
The melee just before half time that got a penalty for Gloucester instead of the scrum to Falcons resulting in a Gloucester try was a silly mistake which probably turned the game but bringing on Arscott for Matavesi had me scratching my head and Micky Young for Takulua plain lunacy when neither seemed injured and both those substitutions made us worse not better. Frustrating afternoon with a big crowd and worryingly still bottom.
There seems to be images online showing possible eye gouging on Gary Graham during the pre half time mele
Quote:pityackerQuote:Exiled Falcon
Disappointing to lose but tbh a losing bonus point against the 3rd placed team isn’t exactly a disaster. There’s still only 8 points between bottom and 4th and there’s a long way to go. Not worried about us going down, and with respect to other teams we're certainly not the worst team in the division.
How are we not the worst team in the league ? We are bottom with the least number of points that would seem to indicate that at present we ARE the poorest team in the league and I’m extremely worried that we can go down.
Yeah, get your gist, things do look pretty grim at the moment. Just think there is too much season left to panic yet. Obviously if we are there going in to the last game then I’ll panic!
For me out attack was the most disappointing, I would have Radwan in the team over Arscott.
Quote:AFalcon24
For me out attack was the most disappointing, I would have Radwan in the team over Arscott.
As I have said it bemuses me how we have seen very little of Radwan this season, and not just him, but Chick, Kibirige and Connon amongst others.
Must admit I’m bored of listening to myself moan about the absence of Radwan. It’s a complete waste of a rare talent seeing him named in the A team.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2018:12:23:20:01:52 by Exiled Falcon.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2018:12:23:20:01:52 by Exiled Falcon.
I must say, i didn't think Dickson reffed that very well. He gave a penalty AGAINST us!
We are a good side. We should have won the game today.
Can i just add that Hammersley was EXCELLENT.
We are a good side. We should have won the game today.
Can i just add that Hammersley was EXCELLENT.
We sure are missing Will Welch's leadership, anybody know when the skipper is likely to be back.
I thought if we lost today then thing could start becoming serious, but 2 pts gained is a positive. We are still in touch so I still have some optimism for the rest of the season. Its a close league this year but with returning injured players we will get better
The Falcons threw away three points. First Gloucester score - stupid and unnecessary penalty from Flood in front of the posts.Second Gloucester score - stupid and unnecessary penalty from Flood followed by stupid and unnecessary penalty from Cavubati. Should have had a two or three score lead and been able to close out the game easily. How many times is Richards going to select crocked Flood and Ascott? It's not worked and isn't going to work.
Quote:Couldn't agree more. At a time when we're not playing very well we shouldn't gift the opposition points and opportunities. I also keep wondering why we never seem to try a chip over the defence or a grubber kick through to stop them rushing up. We are very unimaginative in attack.alas
The Falcons threw away three points. First Gloucester score - stupid and unnecessary penalty from Flood in front of the posts.Second Gloucester score - stupid and unnecessary penalty from Flood followed by stupid and unnecessary penalty from Cavubati. Should have had a two or three score lead and been able to close out the game easily. How many times is Richards going to select crocked Flood and Ascott? It's not worked and isn't going to work.
The picture in the Telegraph match report appears to show eye gouging by Williams on Graham during the mass fight. A shame the officials did not spot it at the time as the penalty would have been reversed and Gloucester would have been playing with 14 men.
Quote:Yes - it explains why Graham was throwing punchesalas
The picture in the Telegraph match report appears to show eye gouging by Williams on Graham during the mass fight. A shame the officials did not spot it at the time as the penalty would have been reversed and Gloucester would have been playing with 14 men.
I thought we were the better team today actually, we just couldn't translate that into enough points - I agreed with each decision to go for goal so can't criticise them for that.
Flood had his right leg strapped and around 60 minutes he seemed to be really uncomfortable. After that he never seemed to run with the ball, or plays missed him out completely - why not bring Connon on if Flood was barely able to contribute?
On the Graham penalty, on the one replay on the big screen I only saw one swinging arm and it was in a white shirt.
Flood had his right leg strapped and around 60 minutes he seemed to be really uncomfortable. After that he never seemed to run with the ball, or plays missed him out completely - why not bring Connon on if Flood was barely able to contribute?
On the Graham penalty, on the one replay on the big screen I only saw one swinging arm and it was in a white shirt.
From where I was in the South stand I saw throw a couple of punches - if he had someone's fingers in or near his eyes I don't blame him.
We're running short of Fly Halves.
If Flood is out, Hodgsons leg is apparently a lot worse than first thought (career threatening is the words I heard, so I really hope that is not true for the lad) leaving us with Conon, Matavesi Snr who has never inspired me at 10 or Joel Matavesi..and we'll just leave that one there.
But its not just that. The whole team just looks devoid in attack. Poor Goneva was hunting the ball all day and getting mauled by a hoard of defenders everytime he did.
Where has the attacking play gone that we were playing the last few season. People running angles and good lines, creating space etc. Intelligent rugby.
Its too often side to side making no headway.
If Flood is out, Hodgsons leg is apparently a lot worse than first thought (career threatening is the words I heard, so I really hope that is not true for the lad) leaving us with Conon, Matavesi Snr who has never inspired me at 10 or Joel Matavesi..and we'll just leave that one there.
But its not just that. The whole team just looks devoid in attack. Poor Goneva was hunting the ball all day and getting mauled by a hoard of defenders everytime he did.
Where has the attacking play gone that we were playing the last few season. People running angles and good lines, creating space etc. Intelligent rugby.
Its too often side to side making no headway.
There's Swiel but apparently he's injured too. What have they been doing to suddenly get all these injuries?
I think that we need to keep faith. Just look at how unlucky we have been. 5 props injured at the same time, 3 locks, 2 back row forwards, 1 scrum half, 3 fly halves 1 signed to cover flood who looks crocked, 3 centres including Harris who is crocked and strapped up, Sinoti and Goneva injured a few times. Our luck will change our first 15 when fully fit is a match for anyone. Let’s not return to the doldrums. We are not playing well but it’s difficult to find cohesion with no regularity in team which prevents cohesion. Come on the falcons
Watched the match last night - should have won, still optimistic that we can turn it around.
MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone
MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone
anyone else think that in the last play of the game, the Glos 18 simply went off feet, right in front of the ref and lay there on top of the ruck.....the ball was lost to them at this point but in my humble, it should have been a penalty to use.....but of course, no such luck
Narrow margins. Final ruck could have gone either way. We have the sixth best defence in the league and the worst attack - based on points for and against. It's the latter that needs fixing in a team containing the attacking threats that we have.
Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.
Newcastle Red Bulls News 24/7
More Newcastle Red Bulls headlines
- Challenge Cup Fixtures
- A blueprint for next season
- Why Red Bull takeover of Newcastle has started so badly
- Red Bull Racing and Crocs unveil new collaboration
- Australia Under-20 Prop Brings Development Potential
- Red Bulls give best performance of the season
- Ireland v Wales 6 Nations March 2026
- My game has gone up a level': Davison crowns huge week after
- This is what Scottish hookers should look like