Premiership
Walder: This can’t be a one-off
Friday 30 September 2022
Head coach Dave Walder spoke of his delight at Friday night’s bonus-point victory over Gallagher Premiership leaders Bristol Bears, saying it should become the norm rather than the exception.
Newcastle were 30-15 victors and took the full five thanks to Mateo Carreras’ last-minute score, Walder saying afterwards: “Last week at Worcester wasn’t an accurate version of ourselves and not a performance to be proud of, but we were much better tonight.
“We’d had a chat in the week about our attitude and wanting to put in that 80-minute performance, and when our starting fly-half pulled out on the day of the game it’s just one of those things where you’re up against it.
“The pleasing thing is we managed to come through it, and we stemmed the tide.
“There was a big spell when we got back to 15 men after two sin-binnings and we kept the ball just their side of the half-way line, and we really steadied the ship.
“It was one of those passages of play that a lot of people won’t remember because nobody scored or anything like that, but in terms of the key to winning the game I thought it was a really important defensive period for us.
“We kept control, got possession and built from there in what turned out to be a strong finish.”
Asked about the contribution of Carreras and his returning countrymen Matias Orlando and Matias Moroni, the head coach said: “Somebody asked during the week what you get from the two Matiases, and it’s a case of grit, determination and just that international class.
“You stick Mateo Carreras on the edge of that, or ‘their little friend’ as they call him, and he’s a tough little character.
“I thought those three epitomised why we were so good tonight, and it was their work off the ball as much as what they did when we were in possession. They did the small things well, as did a lot of the lads.”
Assessing the importance of the result and the Falcons’ future prospects, Walder said: “It was my first win since taking over, so I’m proud of that, and it’s important for the entire playing and coaching staff. It’s been a huge team effort to produce that performance, and the thing now is to make sure it’s not a one-off.
“We won’t get carried away, and we can’t because we’ve got Saracens at home next Sunday!
“We’ve beaten the league leaders tonight who have got an unbelievable squad, and then we’re playing another unbelievable squad next week. That’s just the standard of the Gallagher Premiership, but we’ll definitely take confidence from this and know that we can repeat it.
“This has to become the norm rather than the exception, and when we get our attitude right we’re a very dangerous team.”
Click here to book tickets for the visit of Saracens on Sunday October 9.
Source – Newcastle Falcons Rugby
Sale Sharks have agreed a deal to sign Fiji captain Waisea Nayacalevu from French Top14 side Toulon.
The explosive centre, who starred for his country during the recent World Cup, has signed a one-year contract with an option for a further year.
He will join up with Alex Sanderson’s Sharks squad ahead of the start of the 2024/25 Gallagher Premiership season.
Waisea, 33, said: “I’ve watched the Premiership for a long time and it’s always been in the back of my mind that I would love to play there one day and experience rugby in England.
“Now that opportunity has arrived and I’m really, really happy and grateful. I’m so excited to get over there and join the boys and see how I can contribute to the team.
“I have spoken to Telusa Veainu and he only has positive things to say about the club and about Manchester.
“I’m looking forward to playing with some of the guys I’ve played against, like Tom Curry and George Ford. But I also know there are a lot of really talented young players in the Sale Sharks squad and I’m excited to share my experience and help them develop as much as I can.
“I told Alex that it’s what I’ve been doing for the last few years of my career and it’s something I’m passionate about.”
Nayacalevu, who stands at 6’4” and weighs in at 16st 7lb, spent ten years at Top14 side Stade Français before making the switch to Toulon in 2022.
He has won 34 caps for Fiji, slotting in at both centre and on the wing, and captained his country at last year’s World Cup, where the Pacific Islanders made the quarter-finals, losing 30-24 to England in Marseille.
He also famously scored for Fiji in their memorable pre-World Cup win against England at Twickenham.
Images & Content from Sale Sharks Rugby
Phil Brantingham to join Saracens
Prop-forward Phil Brantingham will leave Newcastle Falcons in the summer to join Saracens.
The 22-year-old has played 25 games for his home town club, and leaves with the thanks and best wishes of everyone at the Falcons.
Chairman of rugby Matt Thompson said: “Phil has done well for us and we made him a good offer to stay here.
“We respect his decision and wish him all the best for his move in the summer, but between now and then he will be fully committed to finishing the season strongly for Newcastle Falcons.”
Source – Newcastle Falcons Rugby
Sale Sharks can confirm that forward Cobus Wiese will leave the club at the end of the season to return to South Africa.
The 26-year-old lock has played almost 80 games for the club and scored five tries since joining from the DHL Stormers ahead of the 2020/21 season.
He played a key role last year as Sale reached the Premiership final, and this season he has featured a further 13 times for Alex Sanderson’s side.
Alex said: “Cobus will be missed by all of us on so many levels. He’s the most polite and courteous of people off the field, but the most wildly excitable man on the field, and on a night out.
“To say Cobus wears his heart on his sleeve is to do him a disservice with regards to his emotional commitment for which his body has paid the price on occasion.
“He leads by example and has earnt the respect and adoration of the group both on a professional and a personal level. We wish him every success and happiness with his move back home.”
Everyone at Sale Sharks would like to thank Cobus for his contribution to the club and the team during his time here and we wish him all the very best for the future.
Images & Content from Sale Sharks Rugby
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