It must take real strength to be a Newcastle fan. It’s been more than a decade since they sat anywhere in the top half of the table. After being relegated in 2012 they bounced back immediately, but it was only the ineptitude of Worcester that saved them from going right back down. Last season they just looked lost and woefully outmatched. While some heavyweights have been brought in to beef up the side, the forecast isn’t all smiles and sunshine.
Dean Richards made it quite clear that he wanted some second rows, so he went and brought in four new ones. The pick of them is probably Italian international Joshua Furno, an escapee from Biarritz who adds height to the lineout and mobility around the park. Kane Thompson is an experienced campaigner who has played second row and no8 for both the Chiefs and the Manu Samoa. Both are solid, neither are world beaters.
The Tuilagi brothers are high profile signings but Alesana is now 33 and past his best, while brother Andy has been a bit of a disappointment thus far in his career. Ruki Tipuna comes in at scrumhalf, more likely to put pressure on Mike Blair than to really challenge for a starting role. Juan Pablo Socino fills an important role but is relatively untested at the highest levels and is more at home at centre. Flyhalf remains the biggest problem spot of the side and a major question mark heading into this season.
An even bigger change, one that might have more of an impact than anything else, is on the field itself. Kingston Park has installed a new synthetic turf field, the same one that Saracens now have, and with that, the muddy bog that welcomed visiting sides in the winter months is no more. While this might please spectators and in the long run benefit the club, it does take away something of a unique home field advantage.
It’s hard to see this group of players achieving much more than they did last year, even with a few new bodies. There are certainly some talented youngsters coming through – the likes of Scott Wilson, George McGuigan, and Zach Kibirige come to mind – but for now it’s another year in the bottom and another fight to stay alive.
HEAD COACH – Dean Richards
When the hard man of the furrowed brow was cast into rugby exile for three seasons following the fiasco at Harlequins, he wondered if he would be too long out of the game to return to the professional level. Newcastle fans are quietly wondering whether he was right. Odd selections, lacklustre signings, and pretty uninspiring stuff on the field have been the norm so far, and this has the feel of a make-or-break season for the old Tiger.
CAPTAIN – Will Welch
Very much a leader by example rather than word, the problem is he might not be the best openside at the club. Andy Saull is hot on his heels and on a faster pitch it’s not hard to see him overtaking his captain. Welch is a steadfast player who always gives his all, but his all might be quite at a Premiership standard.
KEY PLAYER – Mike Blair
The vastly experienced former Scotland captain isn’t as sharp as he once was, and given his increasing profile in the media appears to have one foot already into retirement. That said he’s still the lynchpin of the side and might find some spring in his legs on the new pitch. If Newcastle have any hope of staying out of the dungeon, he’ll have to bring more than he did last season.
ONE TO WATCH – Dominic Barrow
It was something of a coup for Falcons when one of the standouts from England’s first champion u20 side came over from Leeds. He started the season well, moving between lock and blindside flanker, but unfortunately suffered some injury problems and missed significant chunks of the season. The additions of Furno and Thompson should allow him to concentrate on second row for now, and if he keeps progressing he could find himself on Stuart Lancaster’s radar sooner than later.
BIG SIGNING – Juan Pablo Socino
The lack of a consistent goal kicker was a major problem for the side last season, and the Argentine import from Rotherham certainly helps in that department. He’s not the biggest centre, but he is a good footballer with a decent step and should be pretty comfortable beside his countryman Gonzalo Tiesi, should Richards choose to play them together. His boot and distribution skills should take some of the pressure of whoever wins the flyhalf dual between Rory Clegg and Phil Godman.
SIGNIFICANT TRANSFERS
IN – Eric Fry (London Scottish), Rob Hawkins (Leicester), Calum Green (Leeds), Joshua Furno (Biarritz), Uili Kolo’ofai (Colomiers), Kane Thompson (Chiefs), Ruki Tipuna (Bristol), Juan Pablo Socino (Rotherham), Andy Tuilagi (Apia West), Alesana Tuilagi (NTT Shining Arcs)
OUT – Grant Shiells (Bath), Carlo Del Fava (retired), Fraser McKenzie (Edinburgh), Joel Hodgson (Northampton), James Fitzpatrick (Leeds), Ryan Shortland (Otago)
