Leeds Tykes v Newcastle Falcons 07/02/03: Preview


Top Game Needed
By Mally (06/02/03)
February 6 2003

Facing bottom of the table Newcastle Falcons, Leeds Tykes are out to consolidate their current top 3 spot. After beating Harlequins 32-17 last Saturday Newcastle Falcons are just 2 points adrift of Bath. To ensure Premiership survival Newcastle need to pick up points in all of their remaining games.

Newcastle Falcons Director of Rugby Rob Andrew has taken full responsibility for the mess the Falcons find themselves in, and has made some mid season signings in an attempt to stop the rot and turn the Falcons' season around.

Saturday saw the long awaited Falcons' debut of Springbok Mark Andrews, a Springbok legend with 77 caps behind him. Despite having a fairly muted game on Saturday, lasting just 50 minutes, Andrews' arrival in the North East, and that of the other new signings, has revitalised the Newcastle Falcons' squad. Now there is real competition for places, with Mark Mayerhofler relegating Tom May to the bench last weekend. Newcastle Falcons had a shake up in the coaching set up with Rob Andrew's long term coaching partner Steve Bates being sidelined into an analytical role, Andrew Blades being given more responsibilty and Rob himself taking a more hands on approach. Blades has worked wonders with the Falcons pack, often seen in the past as being lightweight and ineffectual, the last couple of matches have seen them hold their own against Saracens and Quins. With the return of Jonny Wilkinson from injury the Newcastle Falcons' backs have rediscovered the try line, going over four times against Quins. Rob Andrew tends to announce his team as late as possible, but I would guess that the team to face the Tykes will be largely unchanged from last weekend, the only exception being the possible inclusion of Warren Britz. So how do the two sides compare? In the front row they are fairly well matched, with Shelley & Kerr squaring up to Marius Hurter & Ian Peel. In recent weeks Ian Peel has made his mark, and has benefited from the much improved Falcons pack, having gone over for a couple of tries. Unfortunately the first choice Falcons hooker, Steve Brotherstone is out injured for pretty much the rest of the season. James Christian was signed as cover but to be honest from what I've seen so far there's not a lot to choose between him, Matt "Owner's Son" Thompson and Nick Makin, who had the starting berth last weekend. None of them can compare with Ronnie!

The second row, this is where I think the game will be won & lost. Admitedly Mark Andrews had a quiet debut match and their lineout was the worst part of the Falcons' performance last weekend, but those 77 caps have to count for something. The second row combination of Andrews & Scotland international Stuart Grimes (pictured) should be a great test of just how good Palmer & Murphy are. Mark Regan needs to fid his man, while Tom Palmer and Chris Murphy need to be at the top of their game.

In the back row, Mather, Hyde and Feaunati will probably square up to a rehablitated Andy Mower, the ginger haired Hugh Vyvyan, and either Epi Taione or new signing Warren Britz. Mower has had an up & down season, out on the transfer list by Rob Andrew, followed by a period on loan up at Borders, Mower was recalled to the Falcons squad and is playing well, wining the Sky Sports Man Of The March award last weekend. Hugh Vyvyan has been switched from second to back row this season. This seemed a bizarre move at first as Hugh had impressed at second row (played for England against the Barbarians last year), however it has paid off. Warren Britz is an unknown quantity, as he is yet to make his Newcastle Falcon's debut, if he is to do so on Friday then he will have to dislodge the Falcons' tank on legs Epi Taione. There's been much debate about Taione's best positon, he started out as a winger, but has been moved to the back row. Taione can break a game open, absolutely unstoppable on the charge he runs over not round the opposition. Epi is by no means the finished article but his tendency to get isolated, turnover or spill the ball, has declined though he sometimes still looks a little lost, listen for the Falcons fans shouting for him to get in the scrum. Epi is a joy to watch, you never know just what might happen. The half pairing will hopefully (from a Falcons' point of view) see James Grindal alongside Jonny Wilkinson. I believe Grindal has the edge on Hall Charlton, but this is one area I think the Tykes are a lot stronger, whether it's Dickens, Benton or Hegarty who gets the nod. As for Jonny Wilkinson, what needs to be said? The best fly half in the world at the moment (sorry Gordy!), spins out a beautifully accurate miss pass, runs the show and without him the Falcons look lost. The Falcons backs have come in for a lot of flack this season. Basically they've not been performing to the standard they are capable of. Dave Walder breaking his leg in a pre season match was a huge blow, not only is he a great fullback but also fills at 10 when Wilkinson is unavailable.

Jamie Noon (centre) and Liam Botham, have been the best of the Falcons backs, both have covered fullback, though last weekend saw Botham back on the wing & Noon at 13, where he scored a cracking solo try. Liam Botham is not the quickest winger in the world, but he's a solid player, has a decent boot on him (he covered the kicking duties during Wilkinson's injury) and is guaranteed to give 110%, he's also won the Falcons Supporters Club Player of the Month Award 3 months on the trot this season.

Ex All Black Mark Mayerhofler edged Tom May onto the bench to claim the no. 12 shirt. Mayerhofler has not exactly set the North East alight since his arrival but last Saturday was the first time he's played alongside Jonny Wilkinson, with Jonny now back spinning the ball out this should change. Another couple of players, who are also due to hit form are Michael Stephenson (pictured) and Joe Shaw. Stevo has been dogged by injury this season but against Quins looked sharper than he has done for ages. The Quins match also saw Joe Shaw at fullback instead of Liam Botham, easily spotted with a very distinctive barnet, Joe has looked threatening at times this season but not really delivered. Pretty evenly matched over all, the Tykes backs perhaps having the edge over the Newcastle Falcons, but this is a game I think will be won in the set piece. Tykes need to dominate the scrum and lineout and most of all contain Epi Taione. My prediction? As I said in the Falcons site preview, I haven't a clue who'll win this one. My heart says Newcastle Falcons as we need the points to survive, but my head says Leeds Tykes, it is at Headingley after all... And yes Oopnorth, I'll be wearing the Falcons' shirt, I might just have my Tykes hat on my head aswell though!