The next port of call on the Tykes ZP journey is Kingston Park, to renew acquaintances with Rob Andrew’s Newcastle Falcons. The Tykes and Falcons met three times last year, and the Falcons won every single game. But a lot has happened in the meantime, and the two sides now find themselves at opposite ends of the table. This time it’s the Tykes who are riding high, while the Falcons languish at the wrong end of the table.

So what has changed since last year. Have the Tykes now got what it takes to record their second away victory of the season?

Changes at KP

First and foremost, the Falcons appear to be a side in transition, having lost the backbone of their side (Tuigamala, Weir and Armstrong) at the end of last season. Sure, these guys were no spring chickens, but their experience was a big factor in the successes that Falcons have had since the game went pro, and all three players made telling contributions to the Falcons victories over the Tykes last year.

Will he make it four in a row?

Mr Wilkinson? Arguably the finest England fly-half for the last 30 years, and sure to be one of the games all time greats. He was instrumental in all of the Falcons wins over the Tykes last year, good with ball in hand, awesome defence and tackling, and of course, a fairly good kicker on his day. BVS will no doubt be relishing the battle of the boot again. Gordon Ross will also be licking his lips at the fly half duel. The Boss pays little respect to reputation, and will want to throw down his marker for the Scotland No. 10 spot.

Falcons Weak Link

But the weak link in the Falcons appears to be their pack. They have excellent players such as Vyvyan and Taione, but there is rumour that they are lightweight up front. With the Tykes pack in such storming form, Ronnie, Shelley, Tom and the boys will no doubt be champing at the bit to get stuck into them. The Falcons cannot play without the ball, and the Tykes could win the game upfront. The Tykes lineout will win a steady stream of ball for Hegarty and Ross to distribute to the Tykes back division. We also appear to have the advantage in the back row, and the reintroduction of Dan Hyde will be a big plus for the Tykes.

The Battle of the Backs

The Tykes backs are also now a formidable unit, although they played poorly last week. Hopefully JC will be ironing out these niggles in training. Last week, against Sale, a side with arguably the best backs in the ZP, the Tykes defence held firm until Albanese was sin binned. The Falcons backs do not look as strong as Sales, and it is doubtful whether the Falcons can succeed where the Sharks failed. If the rusty back play we saw against the Sharks can be improved, the pace and power that the Tykes possess should make a telling difference.

The Big Question

The Tykes have the players, skill and power to be able to turn the tide and record a victory in Newcastle. The Falcons were hammered at Leicester last week, and this can either precipitate a downward spiral of defeat after defeat, or can make a team look at itself and pull itself round. The big question is whether the Tykes have finally laid their away day voodoo to rest after the win at Quins. If the travel sickness that afflicted us last year is now finally cured, the Tykes are good enough to win, and win handsomely.

Result Prediction.
Falcons 15 Tykes 31