Bobo aims for right rhythm.

Byline: Nick Purewal

THE course of true Tyneside takeovers never runs smooth, but Gcobani Bobo is hoping for a quick resolution to the North East's less-documented fresh start.

Such has been the magnitude of summer change at Kingston Park that one could be forgiven for only recognising the coaches and the owner.

But while the Newcastle United saga rumbles on at St James's Park, those at the Kingston equivalent have everything crossed their own overhaul will not take much longer to bed in.

If due diligence was more than an oversight the last time the city's football club took a change of direction, Bobo is not about to let the Falcons go the same way as they battle hard to perfect their gameplan and grab a handle on this year's Guinness Premiership.

With 23 arrivals and 17 departures, Kingston Park's proximity to the airport has never been more ironic, but on paper and given the varying and complex circumstances under which Steve Bates and Co have worked this summer, the rugby director and his team have put together a good squad.

No-one doubts that an extra buffer would help all breathe easier where potential injuries are concerned, but these are hard times for rugby clubs up and down the Premiership landscape.

The Falcons' first XV ought to be formidable enough, which is why the squad was so disappointed with only mustering a 9-9 draw at Leeds last week.

As expectation and reality collide, Bobo said the Falcons must make the two marry up without delay - starting at home against Sale tomorrow (kick-off 3pm).

"We just had to sit down and see where we see ourselves in terms of what we have in the team," he said.

"We've got quite a mobile and explosive forward pack, and we do have diligent backline players who can work with ball in hand.

"So we need to create as many opportunities for ourselves in order to do that.

"I guess all of us are wishing it would happen overnight, and hopefully that night will be Saturday!

"Leeds looked decent and quite keen, but we were disappointed with the result of first-phase plays and then we didn't really execute what we should have, so there's been a lot to work on.

"We wanted to set a platform that would bring everyone into the game, but we didn't get that rhythm right. They put us under a lot of pressure, and compared to what we knew about them they defended with a different pattern.

"But I thought we didn't exploit them because there were opportunities there.

"Yes it was our first competitive match together, but we really should have been better and we simply must improve as the weeks progress.

"The Premiership competition is up there and what's nice about it is it's the level you want to play your rugby at, it's really a first-class grade.

"And now I am relishing what's to come, I really want to get my hands dirty and get into it.

"The way the guys have been competing on the ground has actually been impressive, but it's sad for the guys watching the game because it's hard to understand from a distance what's happening.

"And sometimes actually I think the refs struggle with the interpretation at ruck time.

"However, something we're all very much looking for is to get quicker ball and then we can get our fast boys into space.

"It was a bit frustrating not getting the ball that we wanted but it's up to us to set up that platform much better so that we can get quick ball.

"If we can do that then it means points under the posts, and that's what we're after tomorrow."

LINE-UPS NEWCASTLE FALCONS (Sale Sharks, Kingston Park 3pm tomorrow): A Tait, C Amesbury, R Vickerman, G Bobo, T Biggs, J Gopperth, M Young, J Golding, R Vickers, C Hayman (capt), J Hudson, T Swinson, E Williamson, B Wilson, F Levi. Replacements: M Thompson, M Ward, L Ovens, M Sorenson, A Balding, H Charlton, R Miller, T Tu'ipulotu. SALE SHARKS: M Vakacegu, M Cueto, M Tait, A Tuilagi, B Cohen, L Thomas, R Wigglesworth, A Sheridan, M Shwalger, E Roberts, C Jones, D Schofield (capt), J Gaskell, N Briggs, D Tait. Replacements: M Jones, G Kerr, J Forster, D Seymour, R O'Donnell, W Cliff, N Macleod, C Bell.

CAPTION(S):

HOLDING ROLE Gcobani Bobo, far left, makes a tackle in last week's opening-day draw at Leeds.