Newcastle v Brive Challenge Cup QF Fri 8pm

[fivepointer]

Newcastle Falcons: Hammersley; Tait, Harris, Matavesi, Kibirige; Flood, Stuart, Lockwood, Lawson, Wilson, Green, Robinson, Burrows, Welch, Latu.

Replacements: Socino, Vickers, Davison, Witty, Chick, Hodgson, Radwan, Penny.

Brive: Laranjeira; Namy, Le Bourhis, Burotu, Galala; Bezy, Cazenave; Brugnaut, Da Ros, Bekoshvili, Snyman, Uys, Hireche, R. Marais, Herjean.

Replacements: Acquier, Leleimalefaga, Johnston, P. Marais, Le Devedec, Lobzhanidze, Mignardi, Romanet.

[francoisfou]

I don't expect Brive will treat this match with much importance as their priority will undoubtedly be to avoid relegation from the Top14. They've a crucial home match against Lyon next weekend so Falcons will win with something to spare.

[francoisfou]

So Falcons won and the victory would have been more satisfying had Flood not missed his kicks at goal. However, this is turning out to be a remarkable season for them and should be in the Champions' Cup next season.

[Galfon]

3 clubs now that Deano has done good things with.
top rugby man.
Calum Green still a mainstay I see; where does he fall short in terms of higher recognition ?

[Puja]

3 clubs now that Deano has done good things with.
top rugby man.
Calum Green still a mainstay I see; where does he fall short in terms of higher recognition ?

Unfortunate turn of phrase - where he falls short is in only being 6ft 3, which is positively dwarfish for a second row. He was let go from Leicester age 21 basically because it was feared he'd never be able to compete in the lineout with the height difference and being a fairly big unit although ironically it's become one of his strengths at Newcastle.

When Eddie goes, I'd love to have Deano be in charge of England. He's built title winning sides from two teams, one of which were relegation fodder when he joined, and has turned Newcastle from a Championship club to likely European qualification this year, maybe more. If we're talking about employing someone who's been a domestic success, he's got far more on his CV than Baxter.

Puja

[francoisfou]

I, too, would like to see Deano in charge of the England rugby, but somehow doubt that with his tainted time at Quins, it will ever come to be.

[Puja]

I, too, would like to see Deano in charge of the England rugby, but somehow doubt that with his tainted time at Quins, it will ever come to be.

It is coming up on a decade ago now though; you'd've thought he'd served his time.

Mind, even if the RFU were to want him, I'm not sure I could see him signing up to work with them.

Puja

[fivepointer]

Deano's done a great job at Falcons. A European semi final is another indication of their progress. They werent exactly error free last night but played well enough to win with a bit to spare.
Green is an excellent Prem level lock. I dont think he has the athleticism to go any further but will do a very sound job at club level.