As Newcastle Falcons prepare to face Exeter Chiefs, both teams find themselves in dire straits—each dealing with its own set of challenges, yet united by the need to escape the dreaded bottom end of the Premiership table. For Newcastle, this season has been an uphill battle, made worse by injuries and bad luck that have decimated their lineup. On the other hand, Exeter’s struggles are rooted in their inability to finish games they once dominated with ruthless efficiency. The stakes have never been higher, and Friday’s match could very well define the rest of the season for both clubs.
Newcastle’s Injury Woes: A Missing Fly-Half
Newcastle Falcons’ journey this season has been fraught with difficulties, not the least of which is the continued absence of a recognised fly-half. Both Brett Connon and Kieran Wilkinson are out, leaving centre Ethan Grayson to fill in as the makeshift number 10. Grayson has been holding the reins all season, but his experience in the position isn’t enough to fully plug the gap left by the missing fly-halves. Director of Rugby Steve Diamond acknowledges the strain this places on the team, openly admitting that they’ve been operating without a key playmaker.
“That is a drama, not having a 10,” Diamond said with frustration. “Do we want to be a kick, run, pass team? Do we want to be a pass, kick, run team? You need your nine and 10 to put you round the field, and that's what we've not got.”
Diamond’s frustration is palpable, as he knows the fly-half is the heartbeat of any rugby team. Without one, Newcastle has struggled to gain field position and control the flow of the game. "We can't get ourselves out of the middle third of the field by any penetration. We're not clinical enough and we're not ruthless enough at not knocking people about," he continued. The Falcons, already facing a monumental task of breaking their 25-game losing streak, are now forced to do so without one of the most crucial components of their game plan.
Exeter’s Battle to Finish Strong
While Newcastle is dealing with injuries and makeshift strategies, Exeter Chiefs have their own demons to face. This season, the Chiefs have been unable to close out games in a way that was once second nature to them. Last week’s match against Bristol Bears saw Exeter throw away a commanding 20-point lead with only 15 minutes left to play. Similarly, they handed Leicester a victory in the season opener by conceding a try in the final seconds. For a team that has historically prided itself on ruthlessness, these missed opportunities are deeply troubling.
Exeter’s head coach Rob Baxter is well aware of the precarious position his team is in, but he’s quick to point out that Newcastle’s injuries won’t give them any special advantage. "Talking about a team's threats and a team's dangers and strengths and weaknesses for this game, I'm not going to say it's irrelevant," Baxter commented. “But the most relevant thing—and Steve Diamond will be very aware of this as well—is it's going to be the team who get out the blocks and create an intensity in the game, but then who just stick at it the longest and hold a level of composure when it's tight and when there's pressure in the game.”
Baxter’s words reflect a sense of urgency that has crept into the Chiefs camp. He knows that both teams are going to feel the pressure, and it will come down to who can maintain their focus and composure in the critical moments. For Exeter, this game is not just about a win; it’s about rediscovering their edge and proving they can still be a force to be reckoned with in the Premiership.
A Match Defined by Pressure and Desperation
With both teams struggling for form, Friday’s game promises to be a gritty, hard-fought battle defined by pressure and desperation. For Newcastle, the lack of a fly-half has left them vulnerable, and their inability to control the game through the middle of the field is a glaring weakness. However, with a 25-game losing streak hanging over their heads, the Falcons will be fighting with everything they’ve got to break the cycle.
On the other side, Exeter’s main issue isn’t personnel but execution. Baxter’s side has proven they can build commanding leads, but maintaining that dominance for a full 80 minutes has eluded them. If they can hold their composure and avoid the last-minute collapses that have plagued them this season, Exeter could use this game as a springboard to turn their season around.
Both teams have something to prove. Newcastle’s injuries may have left them weakened, but their pride is still intact, and Diamond is determined to show that his team belongs in the Premiership. Meanwhile, Exeter is in search of redemption—a win here could help them climb out of the hole they’ve dug for themselves.
A Test of Grit and Determination
This match isn’t just another fixture; it’s a test of grit, determination, and survival. For Newcastle, it’s about proving that they can still compete at the highest level despite their injuries and poor form. For Exeter, it’s about showing that they can still finish games and regain the dominance that once defined them. Whoever handles the pressure better, whoever keeps their composure in those critical moments, will likely come out on top. This is a game where emotional resilience will be just as important as physical ability, and both teams will need to dig deep if they want to claim victory.
