Montauban aim to clip Falcons' wings

Montauban claimed a major European Challenge Cup scalp in Round 3 when they beat Newcastle Falcons 16-10 - and now they have got the back-to-back double in their sights as they go to Kingston Park for the return Round 4 match on Sunday afternoon.

"I can't help being really pleased with the result against Newcastle," said Montauban coach Laurent Travers.

"To play a big English team who are so experienced in European rugby, both in the European Challenge Cup and the Heineken Cup, was already a big adventure for our players but to come away with the victory was fantastic.

"Although the weather was a big factor in the style of game we played last week, we are certainly capable of playing an open running game on a good quality pitch.

"We would like to get back to that sort of rugby, but it's reassuring to know that we are able to change our style of play to suit the conditions.

"Newcastle are a very strong and physical team and to have held our own up front was very satisfying. We will be working on all areas of the game over the next week but we will concentrate on maintaining our high work-rate.

"Being able to keep up such a level for the full 80 minutes last weekend was what won us the game and we intend to do the same on the return trip.

"The first game enabled us to get out of a losing spiral we have been in for a few weeks in the Top 14 and we certainly plan to build on that this week in Newcastle. Playing away from home is often difficult and we have had more success on our own territory than away this season, but we certainly intend to put in the same level of performance at Newcastle as we did here in Montauban.

"It's true that we have a small squad and it is difficult to play on two fronts, but our success in the European Challenge Cup has given us a real lift. We will, of course, take it one match at a time and not get ahead of ourselves, but the possibility of going all the way and playing Heineken Cup rugby next year is an exciting thought."