Newcastle Falcons vs Toulon: Champions Cup Preview

Newcastle Falcons vs Toulon – 18/1/19
Dean Richard’s Newcastle Falcons suffered a heavy 8-45 defeat to French side Montpellier in their last Champions Cup match, a result that knocked them out of the competition. Toulon will be looking to bounce back from their shock loss to Edinburgh which also the side crash out of the tournament.
Newcastle Falcons
The Falcons defeated Toulon in their previous meeting in October, which could give the side a much needed boost ahead of Friday night.
A poor run of form means that Newcastle currently sit at the bottom of the Premiership with just three wins to so far this season.
The news of veteran winger Sinoti Sinoti prolonging his stay at the club, is a positive sign for the fans who will hope he can show his electric pace on Friday evening.
Newcastle flanker Gary Graham, has reassured fans that the team want to use the Toulon match to rediscover their form.
“The big focus this week is doing the double over the three-time European champions, and we’re looking at it as a really important game,” said Graham.
“It’s a chance to put right some of the things that went wrong last weekend, we’ve spent a lot of time talking about that during the week and we’re certainly not approaching Toulon as a dead rubber.”
Toulon
The Top 14 side haven’t hit their usual high standards so far this season despite adding depth to their squad.
Their most recent match came against Scottish side Edinburgh, who were able to win away from home.
New Zealander Julian Savea, scored his first try for Toulon against Edinburgh and will be hoping he can use this match to rediscover his form.
Wales international Rhys Webb, should be available for selection after recovering from a thigh injury, a player that Toulon will hope can get the side back to winning ways.
Malakai Fekitoa, who is set to join Wasps in the summer, is still out with a knee injury he picked up against Montpellier.
MATT WALKER