Bathtub head of rugby Johann van Graan declared himself “very pleased with ending first on the log” after his facet secured prime seeding within the Gallagher Premiership play-offs with a 55-19 victory over Newcastle.
Nevertheless, he cautioned in opposition to trying too far forward, including: “Who is aware of what’s going to occur within the subsequent six weeks earlier than a house semi-final within the Premiership?
“We’ve put ourselves able the place I can use the squad. That is all about us. We will’t management what the opposite groups do. We’ve put our future in our personal palms.
“We’ve performed 35 video games throughout all competitions, together with warm-up video games and friendlies. You will notice squad gamers getting alternatives over the subsequent few weeks, as we’ve got achieved all season. Strategically we’ll do what’s greatest for us.
“There’s no point talking about Twickenham. We’ve got to win that home semi-final on the weekend of June 7-8 to get there.”
The immediate focus is on a European Challenge Cup semi-final at Glasgow subsequent Saturday afternoon and Van Graan mentioned: “We’re trying ahead to it very a lot. It’s an amazing alternative to maintain the squad concerned.”
Reflecting on the win in opposition to Newcastle, he added: “It’s 5 superb factors. The final two minutes of the sport summed up the spirit of this staff – be powerful to beat, defend our goal-line with satisfaction, drive Newcastle again and get a penalty. Then see a possibility, go 90 metres and rating a incredible attempt.”
One concern was the penalty depend.
He mentioned: “We conceded three yellow playing cards which was an excessive amount of. We’re one of many best-disciplined sides in all three competitions that we’ve got performed in – 8.1 penalties per sport – so we’ll evaluation and take the learnings.”
Participant of the match was 22-year-old fly-half Ciaran Donoghue, marking his Premiership debut with a marvel attempt within the second minute.
Van Graan mentioned: “Ciaran has used each alternative he’s been given. We as a bunch gave him his jersey on the resort as a result of he was making his debut. I’ve simply informed him simply to be himself and he’s been sensible.”
Newcastle senior coach Alan Dickens was pleased with the character proven by his facet once they went right down to 14 males following the pink card proven to full-back Louis Brown late within the first half.
“To place them underneath stress from the kick-off after half-time and to attain once more right away was an actual constructive,” he mentioned.
“One of many disappointments of the second half was that the primary likelihood they obtained to assault we fell off a few tackles, they capitalised and went again in entrance.”
Lacking out on a bonus-point attempt was additionally a trigger for remorse.
“That’s definitely a disappointment,” he added. “We talked within the week how coming right here is all the time a problem. It’s one we stay up for. Coming away with a bonus level would have been a constructive.”
He was additionally happy with the expertise coming via on the Falcons, saying: “Oscar Usher (who got here off the bench) remains to be at Northumbria College. I believed he did properly.
“Mickey Rewcastle at loosehead is getting expertise and alternatives. Oli Spencer too, within the backs, and Ollie Leatherbarrow. They’re all getting expertise and hopefully that may stand them in good stead.”
