Johann van Graan was relieved to see fly-half Finn Russell emerge unscathed on his damage return as Bathtub jumped to second within the Gallagher Premiership with a 28-17 win at Newcastle Falcons.
Russell returned from a month out to nail 4 conversions as his facet secured a bonus level in a rampant Friday night time first half that noticed Thomas du Toit, Ben Spencer, Joe Cokanasiga, and Matt Gallagher all rating.
Van Graan was stuffed with reward for the Scot, who was making his first begin since choosing up a groin damage, as Bathtub edge in the direction of the play-offs. He stated: “Very glad he’s again on the pitch, suppose he performed for 70 minutes.
“Credit score to him and the medical employees for getting again on (the pitch) – I assumed his passing recreation was actually good and his kicking was glorious.”
Gallagher completed off an excellent staff transfer for the fourth strive, which concerned Russell – and van Graan complimented his facet choosing their moments to strike.
He stated: “From a again’s perspective, we had some actual good strikes, and we saved the ball simply earlier than that for fairly just a few phases (earlier than) choosing them off.
“Give Newcastle credit score, they fought till the eightieth minute and I feel for us, we deliberate rather well for this recreation – we have been actually optimistic initially and bought some reward.”
“In these video games, it’s good to take your factors – I assumed we managed what we may, but it surely wasn’t good (and) definitely gained’t go down as a traditional.”
Jamie Blamire was a uncommon shiny spot in a dismal first half for the house facet, scoring twice. However the Falcons’ director of rugby Steve Diamond was lower than impressed with the errors his facet made.
He stated: “The primary half, we gave three essential penalties away that give them attacking positions, then we couldn’t react fast sufficient.
“The actual fact that two tries have been scored (when) they have been 5 metres from the lineout, not 10 metres, is irrelevant if we’re trustworthy. They beat us round within the first half, and we have been fortunate to go in on the rating we did – 28-10.
“At half time, I stated to them, ‘Cease feeling sorry for yourselves – what have they carried out to create 28 factors?’ Three penalties, from us – foolish penalties.”
Sam Stuart scored the one second-half attempt to scale back the deficit additional, however a comeback was to not be. Diamond reiterated the dimensions of the job at Kingston Park and commented on his emotions about it.
He stated: “It’s water off a duck’s again, that – what we are attempting to create here’s a rejuvenation of a proud membership and it’ll take greater than 4 or 5 video games.
“We are able to’t criticise the gamers’ dedication – perhaps their utility often – however I’m optimistic about the entire state of affairs.”
