Director of Rugby Alan Solomons spoke to the media today ahead of Friday’s European Challenge Cup match against Dragons at Rodney Parade.
Here’s what Alan had to say:
On beating Dragons at home
- A credit to the players for getting the win and the bonus point.
- But, looking at the game again, we gave away too many penalties and turned over too much possession which is why we could not build any pressure.
- Against Sale we retained the ball better in the second half and had considerable more possession than we did against the Dragons.
On the return match
- I have been to Rodney Parade with both Edinburgh and Ulster and it’s never an easy place to go to.
- They are playing at home. It’s going to be a tough fixture but that is what we need ahead of the next block of Gallagher Premiership games.
Are you likely to rotate the side?
- With a Cavaliers match against Wasps A at Sixways next Sunday everyone is going to have the opportunity to get some game time this weekend.
On Ethan Waller signing a contract extension
- It’s fantastic news. He’s a superb player. With Nick Schonert on the other side of the scrum also signing an extension, it’s great news for the club.
- Ethan is a great team man, he’s popular with everyone.
- His work around the park is exceptional, he’s a strong scrummager as well.
On Gareth Simpson signing his first professional contract
- Gareth came here on trial last year and proved himself. He gets his head down and works very hard.
- He is versatile because although he is scrum-half he can also play at ten and on Saturday he came on at full-back.
Injuries
- Chris Pennell is going through the return-to-play protocols after he failed his HIA on Saturday. We are optimistic that he will be able to play on Friday.
- Jamie Shillcock sustained an ankle injury on Saturday and probably won’t be considered for selection this week.
- Ollie Lawrence also suffered an ankle injury. It doesn’t look too serious.
- Matt Moulds suffered a dead leg on Saturday.
- Tom Dodd took a blow to his ribs and it’s probably too early to consider him for selection this week.
- Perry Humphreys trained fully today and he should be fine for this weekend.
- Francois Venter suffered an ankle injury against Sale. He is due to see a specialist later this week but, at this stage, it looks like he will be out for between five and six weeks.
- Will Butler is due to start training in the next week or so and we hope that he will be back playing by the end of the month.
- Tom Howe was unavailable last weekend as he was attending his brother’s wedding but he is available again this weekend.