Newcastle Falcons - Pre Season 2014 - USE SEASON THREAD NOW

[Geordie]

First topic message reminder :

Manager: Dean Richards
Head Coach: John Wells
Forwards Coach: John Wells
Defence Coach: Graham Steadman
Attack Coach: Dave Walder
 
Current Squad:
Forwards
Props: Keiron Brookes, Scott Wilson, Rob Vickers , Oliver Tomaszczyk  Eric Fry, James Hallam (On loan to London Scottish)
Hookers: Matt Thompson (On loan Darlington), Scott Lawson, George McGuigan, David Nelson, Rob Hawkins
Second Rows: Scott MacLeod, Dom Barrow, Callum Green, Kane Thompson, Josh Furno, Uili Kolo'ofai, Glen Youngs, Will Witty, Sean Robinson (On Loan to Rotherham)
Back Row: Ally Hogg, Will Welch, Richard Mayhew, Andy Saull, Mark Wilson, Chris York, Dan Temm, Ben Morris (On Loan to Rotherham)
 
Backs
SH's: Warren Fury, Mike Blair, Ruki Tipuna, Andy Davies (On Loan to Rotherham)
Fh's: Rory Clegg, Phil Godman, Craig Willis
Centres: Juan Pablo Socino, Jamie Helleur, Adam Powell, Danny Barnes, Gonzalo Tiesi, Andy Tuilagi, Chris Harris (On Loan to Rotherham)Wing: Alex Tuilagi, Noah Cato, Zac Kibirige, Sinoti Sinoti, Sean Brown, Tom Penny, Lee Smith
FB's: Tom Catterick, Alex Tait, Simon Hammersley

[Sgt_Pooly]

Cole has took some hidings which I wouldn't have thought he would over the last year or so. He's kind of stagnated or even regressed slightly which could be due to too much game time???

I'm more than happy with Wilson at the helm, he holds his own in the scrum and offers a carrying option 9more so than Cole), although Cole is better at the breakdown and in defence.

[formerly known as Sam]

Agreed he has looked tired and over played (particularly on the Lions tour). Think it's been a while since he took a "hiding" though.

There's a lot of hype over Wilson I'm hoping he gets some game time this season as I haven't seen anything of him yet. Well nothing I can remember.

[Geordie]

Sam I'm a big fan of Cole but to decimate big Tonga isn't what it was. In the falcons v Tonga game last season he was taken apart and looked a shadow of his former self.

[Sgt_Pooly]

Tonga was pretty much shot that season, he's really struggled in France.

I thought Domingo took Cole apart and quite a few others tbh. I can't recall him getting on top of any LH in the 6N.

[Welly]

Tonga was pretty much shot that season, he's really struggled in France.

I thought Domingo took Cole apart and quite a few others tbh. I can't recall him getting on top of any LH in the 6N.

 TBH imo some may say I am wrong but Cole also suffered from having a at the time poor Marler @ LH (Which imo in 2013 he was poor at scruammaging) watch the Ireland game and the pressure being put on Cole through Marlers side is noticeable which certainly wont help.

 Well I guess we will see what will happen November onwards.

[Sgt_Pooly]

Yea maybe Welly, Marler has certainly come on over the last season. Hopefully the enforced rest will do Cole good, he's certainly a class act when fully firing.

[formerly known as Sam]

Tonga's downfall in France wasn't evident when he helped Saints march to the AP final. Subsequently he's fallen away.

Domingo was a class act in the 6N and given Coke was suffering neck issues at the time it's not a surprise he struggled. I jut hope the neck surgery hasn't effected his movement or strength. At least the rest of him will have had a good rest before we see him again in November.

Which Falcons are the ones to watch in tonight's sevens?

[Sgt_Pooly]

Tonga was nearly half the player that last season at Saints I thought Sam. Waller was better option but Mallinder seemed to stick with Tonga for many of the games.

[formerly known as Sam]

Tonga started blowing hot and cold where as Waller was more consistent. Tonga's hot was better than Waller so I think Mallinder just took the gamble knowing what he had on the bench was reliable.

[Sgt_Pooly]

Falcons beat Tigers in 7's, surely bodes well for the season???

Tigers boys....I bet you're worried now!

[Welly]

Falcons beat Tigers in 7's, surely bodes well for the season???

Tigers boys....I bet you're worried now!

 Wetting myself.

 Hopefully you will go easy on us.

[formerly known as Sam]

You Falcons cheated. Fancy including a first teamer. Boo.

[Geordie]

Dan Temm looked particuarly good, and had a very good season with Tyndale last season. A proper Kiwi 7, could he get a few games this season?

We also have that other young 7 at Blaydon who has had top class reviews.

Welch and Saul might have a battle on their hands this season.

[Jimpy]

I only saw highlights of the 7s, it looked like a good competition. Well done to Falcons for getting to the finals. I doubt Tigers are worried regarding the 15 man game and the opening season fixture though...

As for the7s, its hard to see past Quins for the overall win.

[Geordie]

Ah the 7's doesnt mean anything on the 15s season, i dont expect a great deal from the Leicster game...but i do want to see us very physical and actually trying to play.
 
But it does give a little indicator of how some of our young guys are looking...ie Tom Catterick looked very good and in young Kiwi Dan Temm we have a traditional Kiwi 7 who i think could seriously put some pressure on the senior 7's...who shall we say...werent pulling up trees last season.

[Geordie]

Well guys...i think the most of the recruitment is probably done this summer...whos your player / players to watch.

[Geordie]

Squad for the Bayonne Friendly tonight:

Forwards:
Irving (Tynedale Prop), Fry, McGuigan, Hawkins, Tomaszczyk, S Wilson, Barrow, Green, Macleod, M Wilson, Mayhew, Welch, Saull, Hogg,

Backs:
Fury, Blair, Clegg, Godman, Sinoti, Helleur, Powell, Barnes, Brown, Smith, Hammersley

Not in the squad?
Tuilagi, Furno and Socino - Maybe due to late arrivals to the squad
Kibrige - has he not recovered from the broken leg
Vickers
Alex Tait
Cato

Possible Starting 15?
1 Fry
2 Hawkins
3 Tomas
4 Barrow
5 Green
6 Mayhew
7 Welch
8 Wilson

9 Blair
10 Clegg
11 Sinotti
12 Helluer
13 Powell
14 Smith
15 Hammersley

[Driver]

I think we could see

1.Fry
2.Mcguigan
3.Tomas
4.Mcleod
5.Barrow
6.Wilson
7.Welch
8.Hogg

9.Blair
10.Godman
11.Sinoti
12.jamie
13.Powell
14.Brown
15.Smith

[Sgt_Pooly]

Kibridge is out till October I thinkp

[Geordie]

Yeah saw the reports on that Sgt...shame.

But we have a few decent wingers now, with Sinotti, Alex Tuilagi, Cato, Brown etc.

PS Anyone going to the Rotherham friendly? 23rd August i think it is. West Stand A is only £10

[Geordie]

Bayonne 26 v Falcons 25

By all accounts we showed some very positive aspects and with all our summer recruits missing...bodes well.

Team that played:
NEWCASTLE FALCONS:
1 A Rogers (Signed for Blaydon so played for us)
2 G McGuigan,
3 O Tomaszczyk,
4 D Barrow,
5 S MacLeod,
6 M Wilson,
7 W Welch (captain),
8 R Mayhew.

9 W.Fury
10 P.Godman
11 S.Sinoti
12 J.Helleur
13 D.Barnes
14 S.Brown
15 L Smith,

Replacements: R Hawkins, E Fry, S Wilson, C Green, A Hogg, M Blair, R Clegg, A Powell, A Saull, S Hammersley.

[Cumbrian]

All good except for those half backs, good Godman!

It's good to see Barrow back and fit and some of the younger lads getting a chance to impress. Yes shame about Kibirige, he seems a little injury prone.

[Geordie]

By all accounts Calum Green put in a noticeable shift at lock when he came on.

And Scott Wilson scored a powerful close range try.

Also interesting that McGuigan started. Dean is a BIG fan of his...wonder if that puts him up to first choice hooker now.

[Sgt_Pooly]

I doubt it GF although he's an excellent impact sub, his throwing still needs work.

[Geordie]

Interesting view on Kane Thompson from a Chiefs fan

Kane was a very important part of the Chiefs 2012 Super Rugby winning squad, he was almost exclusively used at number 8 where he was quite effective. After a stint overseas he returned for this season but saw little game time, due to a mix of being injured and being a bit past it, I think.

He'll do an ok job still, I'm sure, but he's lost a bit of explosiveness. He still maintains a heavy workload, however.

So he could be a good signing...or not....its a wait and see one i guess.

[Geordie]

Report on Keiron Brookes

http://www.therugbypaper.co.uk/features/columnists/nick-cain/17910/nick-cain-meets-newcastles-kieran-brookes-making-a-world-cup-bid-at-tighthead/#sthash.l0Wr6ADe.dpuf

[Geordie]

Anyone got their tickets for Saturdays friendly v Rotherham.

Should be interesting to see who runs out for us (on the new pitch)...and also which of our Falcons loanees run out for them. By all accounts Lock Sean Robinson and Back Rower Ben Morris definately will.

[Driver]

I'm working over at work , would of loved to go. Think we'll cut them up to be honest.

[Sgt_Pooly]

I might pop down, Tuilagis turned up yet??

[Geordie]

No not yet.

Ive got tickets...have a couple of beers and see how we look.

I dont think we'll see all the new guys playing but maybe one or two...Green might get a good run out, by all accounts he looked very good when he came on against Bayonnne.

Looking forward to seeing Sinoti on the new pitch.

[Geordie]

Well Socino will defo start the friendly on Saturday v Rotherham at 12.

Also Kane Thompson has landed in the NE, but the Tuilagi Bro's are still in the PI's waiting for papers to be sorted.

[Geordie]

Some interesting lineups for tomorrow games:

Newcastle Falcons v Rotherham Titans Kingston Park Stadium – 3pm Kick Off
1.Eric Fry
2. Scott Lawson
3. Kieran Brookes
4. Callum Green
5. Josh Furno
6. Ulli Kolo’ofai
7. Andy Saull
8. Ally Hogg ©

9. Ruki Tipuna
10. Rory Clegg
11. Noah Cato
12. Juan Pablo Socino
13. Danny Barnes
14. Sinoti Sinoti
15. Simon Hammersley

Replacements Rob Vickers, Rob Hawkins, Oliver Tomasczyzk, Scott MacLeod, Mark Wilson, Will Welch, Warren Fury, Phil Godman, Craig Willis

Doncaster Knights v Newcastle Falcons Castle Park Stadium – 2:30pm Kick Off
1.Alex Rogers
2. George McGuigan
3. Scott Wilson
4. Glen Young
5. Dom Barrow
6. Brian Tuilagi
7.Dan Temm
8. Richard Mayhew ©

9. Mike Blair
10. Tom Catterick
11. Sean Brown
12. Jamie Helleur
13. Adam Redman
14. Tom Small
15. Lee Smith

Replacements Jake Elwood, David Nelson, Mark Irving, Will Witty, George Hedgley, Dan Grange Dan Marshall, Dan Taylor, Callum Burn

[Geordie]

14-0 to Rotherham. Getting smashed at the breakdown, missing tackles for fun, dropping the ball all the time, and getting out played.

If we play like this v Tigers it'll be painful!!!!

[Sgt_Pooly]

Kinda glad I couldn't make it down. Sounds like we've just carried on from last season

[formerly known as Sam]

If it makes you feel any better Tigers are making a lot of mistakes vs Edinburgh. A lot of needless turnovers conceded.

[Geordie]

We improved in the last ten and second half just kicked off.. 14-7

Torrential rain not helping the handling but all the same very poor.
Up update on the second half.

Tomas on ans just smashed the first scrum..good lad

[Sgt_Pooly]

Early days I suppose lol

[Geordie]

Not long left 22-21 to Rotherham.

Socino try.. He looks an amazing signing. A cannonball in attack and defence. But Furno looks lightweight. Macleods replacement.

[Geordie]

Final score...22-21

Need to improve

[Sgt_Pooly]

Good to hear Socino went well, looks like the 12 position could be sorted.

Furno is a class act, he might just be a little rusty?

The twitter feed was full of knock ons. I know it's early days but our handling was shocking last season

[Geordie]

The handling was appalling Sgt.

12 spot is fixed Socino and he's a kicker.

The breakdown concerned me and around the fringes. We looked so weak. They dominated that whole area.

Of course the team was split Barrow, Blair etc all at Doncaster.

See how it goes but if they don't improve a few areas then we will rightly be in a bottom battle again.

[Driver]

I think we could go down next year which is a shame as we've got some good young players.

[Sgt_Pooly]

One pre-season game doesn't set our season lol

It's pre-season, nothing has changed really. We've got some good additions and we'll be competitive. Boys will be rusty after some time off and we'll need to get used to the pitch.

Irish, Welsh and possibly Exeter will struggle too, we've got to hope we're better than them.

[Driver]

I think Exeter could be the surprise package and break into the top 6.

Lots of good players like Mumm , LCD , TJ , Lewis , Slade , Hill and Jess who they don't lose during the season.

[Sgt_Pooly]

Decent players but they've not recruited well and struggled a bit last season.

I'd place money that Exeter don't get top 6.

[Heaf]

One pre-season game doesn't set our season lol

It's pre-season, nothing has changed really. We've got some good additions and we'll be competitive. Boys will be rusty after some time off and we'll need to get used to the pitch.

Irish, Welsh and possibly Exeter will struggle too, we've got to hope we're better than them.

I'm hoping Irish don't struggle this season - I think the recruitment has been pretty good although it was obviously a shame to lose some of those that have gone. So far the pre-season seems to have gone pretty well beating both Montpellier and Bristol - although apparently we let them both get closer than we should have by the sound the reports.

[Sgt_Pooly]

We're all hoping we aren't involved I imagine Heaf, but looking at squads and comings and going I'd surprised if Welsh/Irish/Falcons and possibly Exeter aren't involved in a bottom 4 battle.

[Heaf]

I wouldn't be surprised if you're right - just hoping not in the case of Irish

[Ozzy3213]

I'll be surprised if we are in the relegation scrap this year.  I think we will be in the mid range pack and could finish anywhere between 6th and 10th.

[Sgt_Pooly]

I just can't see who you're better than out of the pool, similar with us.

I suppose Sale could struggle this season or Wasps, but teams like Gloucester look much stronger.

I'd go for a table of:

1. Saracens
2. Northampton
3. Leicester
4. Bath
5. Harlequins
6. Gloucester
7. Sale
8. Wasps
9. Exeter
10. Falcons
11. Irish
12. Welsh

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