Many people will put us as the favourites for this fixture, but I'm sure last year's LV=Cup semi final loss to the Falcons is still very fresh in the minds of all our fans. That was certainly a low point of last season, Newcastle have beaten us the last two times we have played them so we are expecting a big challenge this weekend.

The Falcons are a very well drilled side and they have had some new player arrivals over the last few weeks. There might be a few new faces in their line up, but we know they are a well coached side and we will be expecting a huge battle on Sunday as always.

With Jimmy Gopperth at 10, we will have to maintain our discipline, otherwise we will get punished. He has accumulated most of Newcastle's points over the last couple of years and is one of the top goal kickers in the league, so if we give him the opportunity and the chance, he will put points on the board. He is also a threat with the ball in hand too, so certainly he will be part of our defensive focus.

The players have a good mindset at the moment. They are enjoying winning but are continuing to work hard to improve. Our concentration is always on the next job, and we're trying to continue and maintain our performance level. We are in a good place at the moment, we've worked hard to be here and we need to continue to work hard to keep the results coming.

The fans' support so far this season has been second to none and has not gone unnoticed. We need you again this weekend to get behind the team and ensure that the Twickenham Stoop continues to be a fortress

All the best

Tony Diprose