Newcastle Falcons have signalled their intent to book a European Challenge Cup quarter-final place by setting up base camp in Brive two days before the teams meet
Newcastle Falcons have signalled their intent to book a European Challenge Cup quarter-final place by setting up base camp in Brive two days before the teams meet at Parc des Sports Municipal on Friday night in their crunch Pool 3 showdown.
Director of rugby John Fletcher's men will land on French soil on Wednesday lunchtime, more than 48 hours before kick-off, as they prepare for what he believes is the biggest game of the season so far.
"The winner of this match is undoubtedly in the driving seat to win the group and automatically make the quarter-finals, so there is a massive determination on our part to prepare as professionally as possible," said Fletcher, whose side is level on match points and tries scored with Brive, but just three behind on points difference.
"Two years ago we did the same thing by coming to Brive two days before the game and claimed a memorable 24-17 away win, but last season we pitched up the day before kick-off and the travel really affected the players as we suffered a heavy defeat.
"This time we are leaving no stone unturned in our preparation, so we will arrive on Wednesday to get the journey out of our legs, train in Brive on Thursday and then have the full day to prepare for an evening kick-off in what is an enormous game for us."
Fletcher's Falcons already have the current bragging rights over the French club, having defeated them 25-19 in front of the TV cameras back in November, but having won only one of their back-to-back encounters with Connacht Rugby, Newcastle now know that victory in France is imperative.
"Brive are a good side with a lot of quality players, and, although they have had a tough start to the French Championship we know they are a team that can hurt you," said Fletcher.
"They got their first domestic victory of the season by beating Dax just before Christmas, Olivier Magne has a good group of players to choose from and any game in France is always going to be a huge test."
With his all-star back line including the likes of England quartet Mathew Tait, Jonny Wilkinson, Jamie Noon and Toby Flood, Fletcher said: "Those players are obviously going to pose a threat, but on top of that our pack has been much improved this season.
"We have good young English players coming through in all positions, and then, when you factor in a player like Carl Hayman, it adds another dimension to our play.
"All 22 players who will be involved in the game know just how important our quarter-final qualification is, and Friday will be a huge game in terms of the direction our season is going to take."
