As we are well aware, the Falcons have 4 England stars in their back line, Toby Flood, Jamie Noon, Mat Tait and the legend that is Jonny. Add the very substantial All Black Carl Hayman at prop and there are the ingredients for a heck of a good team. But Falcons have one or 2 players that are not such household names that are not to be passed over so easily, James Grindal at scrum half, Geoff Parling in the 2nd row, captain Phil Dowson at 8 and another couple of backs that can slice through unwary defences in Tom May and Ollie Phillips.

Falcon’s season hasn’t gone to plan to say the least which has led to the sacking of John Fletcher in March, a big decision by Newcastle Chairman Dave Thompson, one which has yet to bear fruit. It seems an extreme measure ¾ the way through a season and one almost unheard of in Rugby.

So to the game, there are quite a few juicy looking match ups, starting in the centre, Sam “The Pocket Rocket” Tuitupou and Dale “Tackling demon” Rasmussen verses Toby Flood and Jamie Noon. It’s going to be a master class in tackling technique, I think, as all 4 centres are excellent exponents of putting the opposition on the floor.

In the 2nd row the Warrior’s have 2 of the Premierships best lineout forwards. Greg Rawlinson and Craig Gillies have the respect of most in the game and in the last two matches it was noticeable that neither Wasps nor Bath made many kicks to touch. I am sure that the Falcons will have been studying tapes of our guys to try and negate the threat they pose. If he plays, I have thought for sometime that Geoff Parling is under-rated and should never be under-estimated.

Mat Tait seems to have settled to a full back role and is a considerable threat, which we all know that Thinus Delport can match and then some. The wings we seem to have glut of talent at the moment in Miles Benjamin, Marcel Garvey and Rico Gear but they will be aware of Tom May’s habit of popping over the try line on a regular basis in European games. Ollie Phillips is a proven try scorer so no room to relax there either. Miles is heading for England honours if his progress continues at the current pace. But I hope that his introduction to international rugby is well handled so that he doesn’t get the sort of welcome that Mat Tait got from Gavin Henson!

The Captains are both in the back row and are 2 of the best in the league. Phil Dowson has a reputation as powerful and skilful player and Pat.. well Pat is “Captain Fantastic” and just loving his rugby at the moment giving it all in defence and attack so much so he puts his body on the line and just goes back for more!

The 2 scrum halves are evenly matched as far as I can judge. James Grindel and Matt Powell have both been on the edge of their International squads and around the prem long enough to know all the right moves.

Now if Chris Horsman is fit for this game we are in for a treat of scrimmaging technique as he and the much vaunted Carl Hayman are 2 of the best exponents of that skill. The Warriors have in Tevita Taumoepeau an absolute rock of a prop who has been the corner stone of our scrum all season. Hooker Aleki Lutui is great ball carrier, ferocious tackler and has improved his line out throwing steadily over the latter part of the season.

So last but not least the fly halves. What can you say about Jonny that hasn’t already been said 20 or 30 times over. He has been the man to turn to for England for the last 10 years and his work ethic is legendary as is his talent. Yes I am in awe of the man, one of my all time best England players, which for me is a huge compliment as my list of all time England greats is mostly populated by forwards!! For the Warriors, Shane has had a bitty season with a low of being loaned out to a Nat One side, but was quickly recalled and has shown very good form since. If the wind is kind neither kicker will miss too many. The Warrior’s support will be hoping that Wuss are more than 3 points up in the last few minutes of the match or we will end up being Wilkoed like some of the best teams in the World!! There is also the prospect of 2 of the hardest tacklers in the game, Sam and Jonny, coming together in an immovable object meets irresistible force type impact. Scary scary stuff.

Both clubs have set much store by Friday night’s game as both the Falcons and the Warriors have a target of Heineken Cup Rugby next season. There will be no quarter given or expected and supporters of both teams will be doing their utmost to help their guys over the try line. So let battle commence.

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