IN THE opening round of the inaugural Premiership in 1997-98, a newly-promoted Newcastle made the long trip to Bath, won against expectations and went on to claim the title.
Last week…yes, you guessed it. And while these latest Tynesiders do not come armed with anyone as good as Rob Andrew, Pat Lam, Doddie Weir, Gary Armstrong or Va’aiga Tuigamala, they have an air of “awkward squad” about them.

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