Tait plan far from routine
0 Comments | Journal (Newcastle, England), The, August 28, 2010
BACKED into a corner by the Portugal scenario, Alan Tait admits Newcastle Falcons had no choice but to break the old pre-season routine this weekend, writes NICK PUREWAL.
The Falcons host a 10s tournament at Kingston Park tomorrow, with Newcastle entering two teams and Blaydon and Tynedale also involved.
A round-robin format of six 20-minute games (2pm start) provides the Falcons’ last pre-season action before they open their Aviva Premiership campaign at Sale Sharks on Friday night.
That Edgeley Park trip ought to have been the second time the Falcons met Sale in the last two months, but the planned inaugural Algarve Super Cup between the two Premiership sides unravelled amid fears of a scam.
That fixture collapse left the Falcons short of pre-season preparation and match time, and head coach Tait battled hard and scoured the globe for potential short-notice opponents.
None were forthcoming though, leaving Tait and company to put something unusual together with the help of the two North East sides who compete in National League One.
Expecting a family atmosphere at Kingston Park tomorrow, Tait said he borrowed an idea adopted by Scotland in their World Cup 2007 preparations.
Former Scotland defence coach Tait told The Journal 10s action is far more akin to 15s than Sevens, but also tests the physical endurance of players to boot.
Teams split into five forwards and five backs and Tait said the action will be fast, furious – and not without a little needle.
Falcons stars Mark Wilson and James Fitzpatrick joined from Blaydon in the summer, while hooker Joe Graham signed on from Tynedale – and powerful Falcons lock Tim Swinson spent a successful season in the Corbridge side’s second row on his ascent to first XV rugby at Kingston Park.
Tait said: “We had been forced into this a little bit if I am honest, because we were not able to secure a game after the Sale Portugal situation.
“So we had to think outside the box a little bit and come up with something a bit different.
“We had some 10s with Scotland in preparation for the 2007 World Cup, and it was pretty useful.
“It is a good blowout, while at the same time not conceding too much in the way of physical confrontation.
“Blaydon and Tynedale coming in as well adds spice to the whole affair, because all the lads know each other from the North East circuit, but we also have a few former players from those teams too.
“Hopefully, the fans will come out and enjoy the day. We have mini rugby on the pitch in between the games, and it should just be a fun occasion.”
Premiership rivals Gloucester travel to Thomond Park to take on Munster in a high-profile pre-season friendly this weekend, while Leeds will do likewise when they make the trip to Ulster.
Tait added: “Speaking to coaches at other Premiership clubs they are involved in very competitive fixtures this weekend, so it was imperative that we put something together.
“Gloucester are playing Munster and Leeds are at Ulster so it was vital we had some action this weekend.”
CAPTION(S):
SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT Falcons’ Alan Tait