Saracens
Newcastle Falcons v Saracens Preview - A trip to the North
Hartley back in the mix
By saracensfan62
November 26 2024
What an interesting fixture this could be. Two teams with starkly contrasting recent histories: Newcastle recently broke a dire 25-match losing streak, securing their first Premiership win in 581 days, while Saracens have remained competitive, even this season, despite losing over 20 players, including many regular starters. To find Newcastle's last win in this fixture, we have to go back to 2009, when they edged Saracens 13-9 in the 2008-09 Guinness Premiership season. Glen Jackson was Saracens' starting fly-half, Alex Tait played full-back for Newcastle, and Phil Dowson lined up as blindside flanker—a different era indeed!
A Friday night trip to Kingston Park is no enviable task. Newcastle’s pack, featuring Callum Chick, Adam Brocklebank, and Jamie Blamire, promises to offer stiff resistance. Fresh off an impressive win against Exeter, Newcastle Falcons will be looking to move off the bottom of the table and turn around what has been a dire season. With Steve Diamond at the helm, changes are likely at Kingston Park. Love him or loathe him, Diamond runs a tight ship, with successful stints at Sale and with the England Saxons under his belt. He even directed Saracens at one point, until his sacking in 2006 following our failure to qualify for the Champions Cup.
Saracens will aim to reassert pressure on the top teams (Leicester, Bath, and Bristol) and climb into those coveted top-two spots but we will need to sort out the scrum, an area that has struggled recently due to injuries and international call-ups. Key players such as Marco Riccioni, Jamie George, Theo Dan, Kapeli Pifeleti, and Eroni Mawi have been away on international duty, while Fraser Balmain and Alec Clarey are injured. The injury list has been extensive this season, with key players like Alex Goode, Andy Onyeama-Christie, and Fergus Burke missing significant time. Operating with a depleted squad has brought new faces into the fold, with promising young players like scrum half Charlie Bracken (I still double take when reading the name Bracken at scrum half on the BBC team sheet!), openside flanker Toby Knight and versatile back-rower Nathan Michelow, who’ve both shown a lot of promise in their respective positions. Another fine academy product is Brandon Jackson who has really stepped up to the mark and added a spark to the backline with his electric footwork and pace. While exciting, their inexperience highlights the need for seasoned players who can manage and close out games.
The lack of rest between the international window and the Premiership is also a concern. The next two months will be among the busiest of the season, with consecutive matches every weekend, including tough fixtures like Newcastle, the Bulls at home, Stade away, Northampton at home, and Bath away—all within a month. Squad rotation will be crucial, and the likes of Ben Earl, Jamie George, and Maro Itoje cannot be expected to shoulder the burden week after week. Moreover, despite being called up for international duty, Nick Isiekwe played only 42 minutes in total, while Elliot Daly and Alex Lozowski didn’t feature at all—a frustrating situation for Saracens fans. Lucio Cinti and Juan Martín González will also likely require rest after a busy schedule with Los Pumas.
Turning to the lineup for Friday night, I’m excited to see the Hartley-Spink centre partnership, which has shown great promise recently, and hopefully (fingers crossed!) the return of Fergus Burke at fly-half. We could try and exploit Newcastle’s releatively inexperienced backline with a superior kicking game and also (in my opinion), a better ability to make steals at the breakdown and lineout. I expect the battle between Adam Radwan and Rotimi Segun to be a fascinating one, with both wingers having searing pace and footwork. Tobias Elliott vs Alex Hearle will be another fascinating tussle. My suggested 23 for the game is as follows:
- Rhys Carre
- James Hadfield
- Ollie Hoskins
- Hugh Tizard
- Theo McFarland
- Nathan Michelow
- Toby Knight
- Tom Willis
- Ivan van Zyl
- Fergus Burke
- Rotimi Segun
- Olly Hartley
- Sam Spink
- Tobias Elliott
- Tom Parton
- James Isaacs
- Phil Brantingham
- Fraser Balmain
- Harry Wilson
- Max Eke
- Charlie Bracken
- Tiff Eden
- Brandon Jackson
There are no easy games in the Premiership anymore, especially not an away game at Newcastle. Best wishes to those traveling north—let’s hope for the best. Come on, Sarries!
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StumbleuponNewcastle Falcons v Saracens Preview - A trip to the North
Discussion started by TheSaracens.com , 26/11/2024 14:09
TheSaracens.com
26/11/2024 14:09
26/11/2024 14:09
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:12:11:16:04:59 by Darraghgirl.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:12:11:16:04:59 by Darraghgirl.
Press note from Mark McCall:
“A lot of our group have obviously had significant parts to play across the last few weeks at international level. We as a club are very conscious of that and will phase them back in as and when. That being said, there are some internationals who are ready for this weekend so we’re monitoring their progress in training ahead of the Newcastle game.”
Hopefully a handful slot in, even if its on the bench. Perhaps Loz, and Theo Dan as he didn't feature in the last few games. Assuming Daly still has a knock.
“A lot of our group have obviously had significant parts to play across the last few weeks at international level. We as a club are very conscious of that and will phase them back in as and when. That being said, there are some internationals who are ready for this weekend so we’re monitoring their progress in training ahead of the Newcastle game.”
Hopefully a handful slot in, even if its on the bench. Perhaps Loz, and Theo Dan as he didn't feature in the last few games. Assuming Daly still has a knock.
I think Balmain and Riccioni are both ok and significantly better than Hoskins. Given that Theo Dan wasn’t released back to us I’m assuming he’s fit and will start. Centre the real decision, neither Loz or Tomkins have played for weeks but I’d guess MMC will want them for Europe so will probably play on Friday.
Isiekwe too should be good to start with Theo M at 6.
Isiekwe too should be good to start with Theo M at 6.
Very good points Bard and Barty. This squad doesn't include many of our internationals but Theo Dan could quite possibly make a return to the squad. I would be very surprised to see a changed centre partnership as the Spink/Hartley axis seems to have been quite successful recently, Cinti will likely be rested and I don't know if Tompkins is match fit.
If Burke isn’t fit then a possible start at 10 for Loz? Then again he won’t have played with the centres much so Eden may well get the nod. Feels like a must win really but Falcons have built some good momentum over the past few weeks. Agree with Bars on the tightheads, I’d have thought Theo M and Tiz in the engine room, Isiekwe hasn’t played many minutes but he’s been in every match squad I think. T Willis will be back I imagine to get some minutes in before the Bulls match.
Theo was on return to play following a head knock. Loz is chomping at the bit to play. Big Nick will go straight in. The rest will be phased back in for Bulls.
Will be looking forward to my first Kingston park visit..will be wrapping up a bit
Ninjafez - supporting Sarries and cleaning their signs since 2006!
Ninjafez - supporting Sarries and cleaning their signs since 2006!
Given England players only returned to their clubs on Tuesday it would make sense to rest Earl, George, Isiekwe & Itoje for their mandatory weekend off.
Maybe Loz & Dan on the bench, especially if cover for 10 is needed.
Cinti & JMG will also need a weekend off under the new World Rugby regulation.
Not sure if Mawi played in all Fiji’s matches in the window. Scotland game was outside window.
Maybe Loz & Dan on the bench, especially if cover for 10 is needed.
Cinti & JMG will also need a weekend off under the new World Rugby regulation.
Not sure if Mawi played in all Fiji’s matches in the window. Scotland game was outside window.
Very surprised JMG is playing after the last month, although he did at least get a 10 minute breather last weekend.
Team is easily strong enough to get the required 5 points.
Is it on the box?
Team is easily strong enough to get the required 5 points.
Is it on the box?
Saracens Men team to play Newcastle Falcons:
1 Rhys Carre
2 Theo Dan
3 Fraser Balmain
4 Theo McFarland
5 Hugh Tizard
6 Juan Martin Gonzalez
7 Toby Knight
8 Tom Willis
9 Ivan van Zyl (c)
10 Fergus Burke
11 Rotimi Segun
12 Nick Tompkins
13 Alex Lozowski
14 Tobias Elliott
15 Elliot Daly
Replacements:
16 James Hadfield
17 Eroni Mawi
18 Marco Riccioni
19 Harry Wilson
20 Nathan Michelow
21 Gareth Simpson
22 Sam Spink
23 Tom Parton
1 Rhys Carre
2 Theo Dan
3 Fraser Balmain
4 Theo McFarland
5 Hugh Tizard
6 Juan Martin Gonzalez
7 Toby Knight
8 Tom Willis
9 Ivan van Zyl (c)
10 Fergus Burke
11 Rotimi Segun
12 Nick Tompkins
13 Alex Lozowski
14 Tobias Elliott
15 Elliot Daly
Replacements:
16 James Hadfield
17 Eroni Mawi
18 Marco Riccioni
19 Harry Wilson
20 Nathan Michelow
21 Gareth Simpson
22 Sam Spink
23 Tom Parton
i would have though the other game would have better draw of spectators
Ninjafez - supporting Sarries and cleaning their signs since 2006!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:11:28:12:12:33 by ninjafez.
Ninjafez - supporting Sarries and cleaning their signs since 2006!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2024:11:28:12:12:33 by ninjafez.
They're all on the box in one way or another [www.discoveryplus.com] is the link to discovery plus and it'll be on the 'TNT Sports Interactive' bit as well if you don't have Discovery Plus on your TV (I think that shows as TNT 4 in some EPGs)
But yes, Quins vs Bears is the one in 4k and main channel.
But yes, Quins vs Bears is the one in 4k and main channel.
'Is it on the box?'
We found TNT Extra at 1900 (red button job so can't record).
We found TNT Extra at 1900 (red button job so can't record).
We have given way 7 penalties in first 30 minutes. Line out lost twice. We look totally at sea and like we haven’t played together! So many mistakes. 17-5 to the Falcons.
Quote:Bram1ey_Road
Who knew Carley had a Fslcons contract?
I think Carley could actually win it for Falcons here. He did the same a couple of years ago against Irish.
Mind you we have made it easy for him to penalise us. The team need the hairdryer treatment!
Van Zyl needs to be replaced early again, he is so far off it
Burke absolutely static on the ball at 10 aswell, looking nothing like he did for the first few weeks of the season
Burke absolutely static on the ball at 10 aswell, looking nothing like he did for the first few weeks of the season
Unfortunately virtually all the penalties were down to us, cant blame Carley for everything, tempting though that may be
How much time has Smally had to prepare the team after the Autumn internationals? The whole set up of the season is just not right!
Quote:Kevetty
How much time has Smally had to prepare the team after the Autumn internationals? The whole set up of the season is just not right!
2 days apparently...
This is so poor, all round. Not creativity at all, just run it up the middle and get knocked backwards.
As I said above, standard Friday night match...Why are we so god awful on Friday nights?
As I said above, standard Friday night match...Why are we so god awful on Friday nights?
Carley inept but Falcons playing well. We look like a bunch of guys who’ve never met. IVZ service is poor and Burke looks like a deer in the head lights. We’ve looked blunt since our trip to the stoop.
Our attack is down there with the least dangerous in the league.
The ball is always slow from the 9. Van Zyl just waits until everyone (including the defence) is in position before he plays. Our Plan A, B and C is just to trundle it up again and again, and when that doesnt work we grubber kick it away.
How many line breaks have we fashioned tonight? 1? Against Quins it was 0.
We need to find ways to breaking teams down more. We need to move the ball much quicker than we have been.
Our forwards in particular are so talented, it feels like we really don’t use them to the best of their ability.
The ball is always slow from the 9. Van Zyl just waits until everyone (including the defence) is in position before he plays. Our Plan A, B and C is just to trundle it up again and again, and when that doesnt work we grubber kick it away.
How many line breaks have we fashioned tonight? 1? Against Quins it was 0.
We need to find ways to breaking teams down more. We need to move the ball much quicker than we have been.
Our forwards in particular are so talented, it feels like we really don’t use them to the best of their ability.
we lost & deservedly so but that TNT commentary was desperately biased. Was like listening to a local radio team from the home side.
we lost & deservedly so but that TNT commentary was desperately biased. Was like listening to a local radio team from the home side.
Well played Falcons, fully deserved win and great to have them back as a competitive force.
That was as bad as I have seen from us, up there with Valentine’s Day massacre v wasps and Clermont in the snow. We’ll need to regroup quickly for the Bulls match. I can’t help but think we might’ve used a few more of the guys in the prem cup team to at least bring through some cohesion, we looked like complete strangers out there.
That was as bad as I have seen from us, up there with Valentine’s Day massacre v wasps and Clermont in the snow. We’ll need to regroup quickly for the Bulls match. I can’t help but think we might’ve used a few more of the guys in the prem cup team to at least bring through some cohesion, we looked like complete strangers out there.
Much as it was disappointing and frustrating to watch, the team needed more time to prepare after the AI’s particularly when the England players had to have a week off! Newcastle looked like a team who had played together through the Prem Cup! Ultimately they deservesd to win.
Also that was a nasty clear out by Tizard. I don’t think he’s a dirty player but that was something I’d expect to see from Lavanini.
Terrible performance all round. Absolute credit to Falcons who were superb, especially managing the weather.
But wow were we dire tonight. The blame can't go to one or two individuals, but unfortunately IVZ has looked so off the pace this year, and it's making Fergus' job more difficult. We desperately need to look at recruiting at SH, or play Charlie and Simpson from the off.
Our scrum doesn't seem to hold up whenever Rhys goes off either.
But wow were we dire tonight. The blame can't go to one or two individuals, but unfortunately IVZ has looked so off the pace this year, and it's making Fergus' job more difficult. We desperately need to look at recruiting at SH, or play Charlie and Simpson from the off.
Our scrum doesn't seem to hold up whenever Rhys goes off either.
I see there is a bit of chat of players not being together much, limited training etc.
That’s all true, but this is really not far from the coaches’ first XV. Riccioni would start, Maro and Earl in for McFarland and Knight. And after the set piece shambles tonight, Jamie plays at 2. Otherwise I think this is the coaches’ (not my!) first team.
We need to find ways of scoring more often; and stop the leakiness through midfield (which has been there all season) sharpish. It’s only the South Africans next
That’s all true, but this is really not far from the coaches’ first XV. Riccioni would start, Maro and Earl in for McFarland and Knight. And after the set piece shambles tonight, Jamie plays at 2. Otherwise I think this is the coaches’ (not my!) first team.
We need to find ways of scoring more often; and stop the leakiness through midfield (which has been there all season) sharpish. It’s only the South Africans next
I don’t really buy the preparation thing as the England starters didn’t play anyway. Burke looked no better than Eden or Swiel, very deep and static.
Theo M is a number 6, the scrum never goes well with him in the second row.
Daly was very good, Willis ran hard but didn’t make the yards he normally does.
But don’t get me started on Carley. He dislikes us as much as we appear to dislike him.
I guess we’ll lose Tizard for a few weeks now…
Theo M is a number 6, the scrum never goes well with him in the second row.
Daly was very good, Willis ran hard but didn’t make the yards he normally does.
But don’t get me started on Carley. He dislikes us as much as we appear to dislike him.
I guess we’ll lose Tizard for a few weeks now…
I have some sympathy for those of you mentioning limited training time this week post AI, especially with the England players not being available until Tuesday which is ridiculous when players such as Loz didn’t play for a month! Also a match fitness issue for some - Loz, Daly, Dan, Tomkins.
However McCall chose that team, maybe continuity for example Spink starting, Loz on the bench would have been a better selection?
But a look at the two sides and Saracens are miles a better team on paper and the quality of the returning players should have meant a win but the game isn’t played on paper. Your players should know that a Diamond coached Newcastle is never going to be easy at KP and they had to turn up!
However McCall chose that team, maybe continuity for example Spink starting, Loz on the bench would have been a better selection?
But a look at the two sides and Saracens are miles a better team on paper and the quality of the returning players should have meant a win but the game isn’t played on paper. Your players should know that a Diamond coached Newcastle is never going to be easy at KP and they had to turn up!
McCall chose to rest some big names presumably on the basis that it was ‘only Newcastle’
No big names were rested on the basis that it was ‘only Newcastle’.
Maro, Ben Earl, Jamie George didn’t play because they’ve just played New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Japan in consecutive weekends. Nick Isikwe probably could have played but he was also involved in every one of those games.
Otherwise this was the coaches’ first XV I believe. Hence why such a flat error strewn uninventive one dimensional performance was concerning.
Maro, Ben Earl, Jamie George didn’t play because they’ve just played New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Japan in consecutive weekends. Nick Isikwe probably could have played but he was also involved in every one of those games.
Otherwise this was the coaches’ first XV I believe. Hence why such a flat error strewn uninventive one dimensional performance was concerning.
Quote:NGSB
McCall chose to rest some big names presumably on the basis that it was ‘only Newcastle’
Aren't they required to have some time off in the period immediately after the AIs? If some of the big names had played last night, they would be missing for one of our next four matches which will certainly be contests.
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
🌻🌻🌻
Quote:NGSB
McCall chose to rest some big names presumably on the basis that it was ‘only Newcastle’
If anything he did the opposite and picked someone like JMG who looked knackered and far off his best along with our starting centre partnership, full back and 10 who haven’t played any minutes in a month.
well that was a fun 488 miles to watch a humbling, i blame my uncle for putting the mockers on when he said everyone beats the falcons ahead of time...
their number 4 and 7 in the pack were just awesome and we just looked like the usual team we are after any international break, disjointed.....
Ninjafez - supporting Sarries and cleaning their signs since 2006!
their number 4 and 7 in the pack were just awesome and we just looked like the usual team we are after any international break, disjointed.....
Ninjafez - supporting Sarries and cleaning their signs since 2006!
Every cloud has a silver lining: Chiefs are now bottom of the league.
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
🌻🌻🌻
Successful hills are here to stay
Everything must be this way
Gentle streets where people play
Welcome to the Soft Parade
🌻🌻🌻
Is it a coincidence that Saints and Quins also lost a week after the Autumn international games ended? And Bath struggled at home against a poor Exeter. Supply England players and you’re hampered in games a before and afterwards. I find it increasingly difficult to get enthusiastic when Sarries players are called up by the monster that is the England set up.
I was thinking the same thing MidlandsSarrie, my gloom of friday dissipated slightly after the Saints loss and a bit more context. I still think like others that if we're going to see this then we should probably treat this game week as 'prem cup 4' and keep the same sort of continuity and side from there, the players may be less good but they will have seen each other and the internationals will benefit from a bit more rest and cohesion when they do come back. Easy to say that in hindsight though.
It certainly didn’t help us, but the problems a lot deeper than that. It looks to me that you simply can’t have Theo M and JMG in the same team, both fantastic players but neither provide the muscle you need in physical matches. And I get the impression the scrum struggles with Theo M at lock.
Mawi has become a bit of a scrum penalty magnet along with Hoskins.
Roti is a great runner but doesn’t use the ball well when he’s got it. Needs to kick or pass to someone who can when he’s in trouble.
Mawi has become a bit of a scrum penalty magnet along with Hoskins.
Roti is a great runner but doesn’t use the ball well when he’s got it. Needs to kick or pass to someone who can when he’s in trouble.
We could do with some real muscle at lock behind Tizard in the squad (especially now he’ll be banned for a while). Sodeke certainly has potential but it doesn’t seem like he’ll be pushed into the first team any time soon.
I feel that’s a little harsh on Roti, he was the only person really doing any damage ball in hand and we completely failed to support him.
I feel that’s a little harsh on Roti, he was the only person really doing any damage ball in hand and we completely failed to support him.
Sodeke is injured at the moment in any case. It’s always difficult with runners getting isolated as to where the fault lies, on Friday it looked like a good bit of both.
Would really like to see Simpson start on Sat and have Olly at 12, very much doubt either will happen!
Quote:The Bard
It certainly didn’t help us, but the problems a lot deeper than that. It looks to me that you simply can’t have Theo M and JMG in the same team, both fantastic players but neither provide the muscle you need in physical matches. And I get the impression the scrum struggles with Theo M at lock.
Mawi has become a bit of a scrum penalty magnet along with Hoskins.
Roti is a great runner but doesn’t use the ball well when he’s got it. Needs to kick or pass to someone who can when he’s in trouble.
Falcons fan here
i thought Theo McFarland was your best player, Willis got a lot of ball but didnt make the ground he usually does, I know we are a bit more robust this year but when i saw his name on the team sheet i was disappointed cos he is usually a big ground breaker
Agree Theo M had some eye catching moments, but got beaten in a few lineouts and our biggest problem was we couldn’t shift your forwards out of the way!
Even though Tom didn’t look quite as devastating as usual, he still made 71m, mostly with three defenders hanging on to him!
Even though Tom didn’t look quite as devastating as usual, he still made 71m, mostly with three defenders hanging on to him!
Quote:Strangelove
Would really like to see Simpson start on Sat and have Olly at 12, very much doubt either will happen!
IVZ looked a bit off all season. Idon’t know he’s taken on too much with the captaincy or what it is, but I don’t think he’s played particularly well. Moving the ball away from the ruck is painfully slow. I also think Simpson should have a game.
I also think Tompkins is fairly ineffective and has been for a while. I’d also be an advocate of Hartley or maybe Spink at 12, but we have to use them as more than just a battering ram. At least we need to help them by putting them into space a bit more or moving the ball around, which is a whole team / system thing
Quote:The Bard
Agree Theo M had some eye catching moments, but got beaten in a few lineouts and our biggest problem was we couldn’t shift your forwards out of the way!
Even though Tom didn’t look quite as devastating as usual, he still made 71m, mostly with three defenders hanging on to him!
wow
still good stats
i have to say that our scrum has been solid all season
I’d say this is probably the one week his carry stats are a bit misleading as he was fielding kicks like Billy did in his pomp. I’d be interested to see metres after contact and defenders beaten. Still absolute class and worked incredibly hard with the scraps he was given.
Quote:Sarriebone
Any update on why Loz went off early?
Hamstring, will be out for the next few weeks at least
Quote:The Bard
Just about puts the tin hat on it. Do we know when Tizards hearing is?
[www.bbc.co.uk]
That’s awful news, and sounds like you won’t see much more of your young Argentinian either.
Can see Tiz getting 6-8 weeks with time off for a good disciplinary record. He doesn’t appear to be a dirty player, he reacted to a head shot from a Flacons player (I have read) and he acted very stupidly (not condoning it). Unfortunately their centre will be out for a while.
Quote:The Bard
That’s awful news, and sounds like you won’t see much more of your young Argentinian either.
Just the normal Falcons season
1 find good player
2 watch said good player get injured for duration
Rinse and repeat.
do we actually know the date for the Disapliany yet?
Ninjafez - supporting Sarries and cleaning their signs since 2006!
Ninjafez - supporting Sarries and cleaning their signs since 2006!
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