Newcastle against Leeds is seen by many as a key relegation battle on weekend one; not me. That is an insult to the Newcastle coaching team who should have been awarded a medal for services to rugby last season. The theory that relegation stopped teams from playing bold rugby was shown as the lie it has always been in the hands of those who long dreamed of a cartel. The manner in which Newcastle won high pressure games like Bristol away and Sale away proved positive rugby can pay. The Falcons were my team of 2009.
Steve Bates, Alan Tait and company deserved better than to lose so many of their big names and main players but despite the high profile losses the management has a shape to its game that looks good enough to fit in some decent newcomers.
Newcastle has always been keen on a few southern hemisphere men to merge with the young English talent and this recruitment campaign has been no different. The midfield has a solid look with Jimmy Gopperth arriving from the Wellington Hurricanes. He is a typically well organised Kiwi ten in the mould of Dave Holwell and Glen Jackson. He lacks the star quality of Nick Evans but he can play and – outside him in the centre – Gcobani Bobo has the power and pace to translate his talents from South Africa to Tyneside.
Wider still, Tom Biggs will take the chances made and James Hudson, an eye catching recruit in the second row, may rise rapidly through the ranks of English lock now that he has a chance for regular rugby and a chance to learn from Carl Hayman. Newcastle will confound their regular critics (says one who tipped them for the drop last season.)
Prediction: 8th