Richards salutes effort but calls for more accuracy
The Falcons’ boss said after a game in which his team played a full part: “The scoreline did not reflect the effort the guys put in, but at the end of the piece their accuracy told. We are not quite as experienced as they are but, having said that, our boys turned it on today in a lot of ways.
“We missed a lot of opportunities and, had we taken those, then it might have been a different thing altogether. There wasn’t much space on the field, and at times our defence was outstanding. We probably created an equal amount of tries to what Wasps did – we just didn’t finish them off, and that was the most frustrating bit.”
Crucial in the game was Wasps’ opening try after a committed start from both teams – Simon Hammersley being sin-binned for a deliberate knock-on in a passage which also saw a penalty try awarded.
Richards said: “The penalty try was another questionable TMO decision. I asked Hammers about it at half-time and he said he went for the tackle, he went to wrap his arms around and the guy went to pass the ball at the same time. We were a little disappointed in that respect. It was a bit of a 50-50, the player was adamant he was going for the tackle and unfortunately the decision went the wrong way. It didn’t look like a penalty try to me.”
Philosophical about how his side are playing, the director of rugby added: “There are signs of improvement and we made it a difficult game for Wasps.
“Had we taken our chances it would have been even more difficult, but we are competing well with the top sides. The thing we need to add is a little more accuracy.”
Asked about the Premiership debut contribution of teenage No.8 Callum Chick, Richards said: “Chicky has a huge amount of potential and I thought he played very well.
“Obviously there is room for improvement because of his inexperience, but at the same time I thought he played very well. He can carry, defend, is a line-out threat and, although he needs to work a little at the base of the scrum, that doesn’t take too much doing. On the whole he played a tidy game, and I was pleased with him. He is a confident young boy and he has a bright future.”
The Falcons are next in action on Sunday when Northampton Saints are the Anglo-Welsh Cup visitors to Kingston Park. Tickets for the 3pm kick-off can be bought by calling 0871 226 6060, from Kingston Park Stadium in person or by [enter link description here][1]
[1]: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/newcastle-falcons/details/event.aspx?itemref=2993
