Vickers has been impressive for the Falcons at hooker this season

Newcastle hooker Rob Vickers says the fluidity and pace of his side's back division can cope with Albi ahead of Friday's European Challenge Cup match.

Falcons comfortably beat the French side in their home game in October and the 28-year-old is adamant the team can repeat the feat for the away tie.

"There's no escaping their size," Vickers told BBC Newcastle.

"But if we move the ball around a bit and run them harder there's potential that we can de-power their size."

Steve Bates' side have dominated their ERC group in the most part this season with three wins, one defeat and three bonus points from their four games so far.

And with two games left to play, one at home and one in Albi, Vickers admitted that a place in the next round, and the incentive of a Twickenham final, is key to their ambitions this season.

"It's very important that we stay in control of the group, win it and win it well, and then push for a home draw in the next round of the competition," he continued.

Vickers progressed through the Newcastle academy programme and has 17 appearances to his name this season.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version