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Dave Walder pins points key moment in Newcastle's home defeat

By PA
London Irish's Josh Caulfield (right) and Newcastle Falcons' Sebastian de Chaves contest a lineout during the Gallagher Premiership match at Kingston Park, Newcastle upon Tyne. Picture date: Sunday March 5, 2023. (Photo by Will Matthews/PA Images via Getty Images)

Newcastle Falcons head coach Dave Walder singled out a lost lineout in the second half of a 34-19 defeat to London Irish as the turning point in the encounter at Kingston Park.

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Having fought back from 19-0 down to level the scores, Falcons then saw Matt Cornish cross to put Irish back in front.

However, having already scored one try through Carl Fearns from a rolling maul, they would have hoped to repeat the feat, only for Adam Coleman to produce a vital steal from Jamie Blamire’s throw.

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From there, Irish extended their lead through Ollie Hassell-Collins, and there was no question in Walder’s mind that it was the moment that cost Falcons a chance of victory.

He said: “I think that was the ball game, putting pressure on them. I think we recognised in the box, it was a critical moment and it didn’t go our way. They’ve got a guy in the second row who’s got however many caps for Australia – he read the lineout pretty well and nicked it off us, I think it’s more the reaction to that.

“It took the wind out of our sails. Their second score takes the game away. It’s a different ball game for the last 20 minutes.”

Falcons had already pulled off one impressive comeback, falling 19-0 down early on to tries from Josh Basham, Tom Pearson and Danilo Fischetti.

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But having done all that hard work, Walder was disappointed for those who had braved the conditions that his side could not complete the job.

He added: “The atmosphere this morning around the place was buzzing, they came in the rain and our community team have done a great job of getting everyone through the doors and it was really disappointing that we couldn’t give them something to shout about really.

“They stuck with us and gave us some noise when we got back into it, but unfortunately, they’re probably going home disappointed – as are we with ultimately the performance that wasn’t quite there for us.”

Irish moved up to fifth with this victory, a fourth in their last five in the league and second in a row on the road.

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And head coach Les Kiss was keen to point out just what an achievement it was to take five points at Kingston Park.

He said: “It’s a good win – to win up here is a good achievement for any team. The start was good, it was exactly what we needed to take away what this crowd had presented here, but we had our fair share of some really good, hardy travellers here to support us.

“We just lost our way a little bit, but also we talked all week about how they stay in the fight – we saw at Saracens they have people who just believe who they are and I believe Dave’s done a brilliant job with this team.

“They’re never dead and buried, they just keep coming back at you. Half-time we addressed that, this is what the game is, we knew this wouldn’t be an easy game, and we had to fight for every inch.

“We managed to come out of that middle third of the game and get back to the things we’re good at – a great counter-try and a few other things that kept the pressure in their half.”

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Hellhound 10 minutes ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

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R
RedWarrior 51 minutes ago
'They smelt it': Scott Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' vulnerability

I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.

Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.

Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.

They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.

That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.

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