BUCS Focus: M1 Rugby Union

Team Northumbria continued their incredible start to this year’s Super Rugby season dispatching a strong Loughborough outfit 38-26 on Friday night.

Under the lights of Kingston Park, TN started the game in rampant fashion, securing a four try bonus point in the first half.

And after the game TN coach of rugby Darren Fearn could not contain his joy.

“We were outstanding,” he said. “ It was a fast start in both halves.

“The lads were clinical again which had been a theme of what we’ve been practicing, which is brilliant but to score 38 points against a team like Loughborough who are a very strong outfit is fantastic. I’m proud as punch!”

Having surrendered 103 points during the first two weeks of the season, TN knew that a reaction was needed in defence and while Loughborough managed to score four tries, Fearn was happy with the reaction his side showed.

“In defence, we asked for a reaction and it was there, “ he added. “There were a couple of system errors at times but that happens in a game of rugby.

“We asked for a reaction and we got it.

“Some of them put their bodies on the line but with a bit more street smarts today like not just flying in to things. We got the reaction and they kept their heads out there. I’m lost for words, I’m that proud of them.

“We knew winning the turnover battle would be key.

“We talked about picking and choosing, not just going into everything stupidly again without being streetwise and we were streetwise and the turnovers saved us at times.

“I thought the forwards were outstanding, winning turnovers and feeding the backs tonight. Even the backs were getting turnovers - James Christie got a brilliant turnover and so did Aeden.”

And Fearn was also delighted with both the performance of his fly-half Josh Bragman in blustery conditions and the impact his bench had on the game.

“Josh has come into the side and kicked his goals,” said Fearn

“I thought he really marshalled the backline tonight and dealt with the conditions well.

“Last time against Cardiff I was a little bit disappointed that the bench didn’t make an impact, whereas today, everyone got on and made an impact.

“It’s a bit clichéd, but from one to 22, I thought they were all outstanding.”

Next week TN face a tough test against Nottingham Trent and Fearn was keen to ensure that his side keep their feet firmly on the ground and take nothing for granted.

“We’re not the finished article and we’ve still got a lot to work on, but they’re buying into it,” said Fearn.

“Sometimes, I think they look at myself and some of the coaches as if we’re the worst people in the world because we make them do some stuff and you can see them thinking why am I doing this but it’s so they get results like this.

“It’s all down to the lads and it’s the lads that deserve credit for this.

“We’ve got a big game next week against Nottingham Trent and they will be coming here, wounded so they’ll be dangerous.

“They haven’t gotten any points so far so we know they’ll be coming up here and fighting for everything.”