By Ollie Watson
Newcastle Falcons and Exeter Chiefs have the opportunity to get their first win of the season tonight. The two outfits are ninth and tenth in the Premiership table, with second-bottom Exeter recording their worst ever start to a Premiership season with four straight defeats.
For Newcastle it is not unfamiliar territory. With 25 straight losses head coach Steve Diamond admits form must improve ahead of the clash. Diamond spoke of working on gaining more of a territorial position ahead of the game. With both fly-halves injured Newcastle face a tough task, however with centre Sammy Arnold back fit they will be hopeful of a first victory.
Diamond said: “We’ve got to stay in touch with the teams around the bottom, and in the next two weeks we play the two sides who are immediately above us in Exeter and Gloucester. We’ve got to stay in an arm wrestle with somebody, and at the minute it’s looking like those are two most likely candidates.”
Diamond claimed there is more pressure on Exeter ahead of the battle as they face an unfamiliar position after four losses on the trot. “It’s an unusual position for them to be down there in the doldrums with no wins from four, even though a couple of them have been close-run affairs. Less than four years ago they were winning European and Premiership finals but now they’re down there in the dogfight, and it’s not a position they’ll be accustomed to.”
Spirits seem high in the Newcastle camp with Diamond seemingly taking the teams form in his stride while being open, honest, and not shying away from the struggles. Diamond admitted frustration is part of the situation. “From the outside looking in there’s very little positivity surrounding us at the moment, so we’ve got to build it from within.”
During this week’s press conference Diamond spoke of how he himself copes with the pressure of the job. Diamond said: “It’s a challenge, and there aren’t many of these jobs around. We’re so lucky to do this when you consider there are people living in war zones or facing all manner of serious adversity in their lives.
“Ok, we’ve lost some rugby matches, but you’ve got to put it into some sort of context. We’re trying to get this business running at break-even or near enough, which would be a win in itself.”
Newcastle fans and players will channel the coach’s spirit this Friday night. The team have been working hard this week and are determined for victory. Diamond said: “They have got some wonderful backs and a plethora of moves. We must match them physically.”
While matching Exeter’s physicality, Newcastle are keen to benefit from their own attack with diamond wanting his wingers to go looking for work. The back three were shown videos of Jason Robinson and Chris Ashton this week. Diamond spoke of the want and desire needed from his back three,
“I don’t think that’s been in the ethos here for quite some years, but we’ve got to find a way to get someone like Adam Radwan into the game more.”
“It’s designing plays or getting him to see opportunities where he can isolate defenders and get one-on-ones, but our attack has been too sideways and predictable.”
Multiple players return to the team and fresh instructions have been laid down for their dangerous attackers. Newcastle seem hopeful heading into Friday night’s clash. A maiden victory and the first since March 2023 would kickstart the Falcons season.
