While the focus is on finishing the first segment of the league strongly on Friday, just looking at the results of Newcastle in the opening games in the Premiership suggests they will have bigger concerns than the Challenge Cup. Newcastle had some good results at home last season but really look in trouble from the off this season. With Worcester coming up and starting very competitively, Newcastle have a big game coming up against them away this weekend. London Irish have also started slowly which means they haven't got isolated at the bottom but its going to be a tough season for them by the looks of it.
Gloucester (h) 27-39 after trailing 3-27 at half time
Northampton (a) 16-42
Exeter (h) 3-41
Looking down the line to Round 3, they travel to play us on December 11th, we play Cardiff the previous Friday whereas they have Saracens at home on the Sunday, given both sides hectic schedules, that is another useful advantage.
Brive have made a decent start in France, they were very poor in this competition last season but have given it a go in the past. Their game against Newcastle in Round 1 should tell a lot about the challenge we face in this group.
Having seen Enesei play in the Sportsground against the Eagles a couple of times in recent years, I wouldn't underestimate them. If we nullify them up front we should be fine but it could be a game that takes its toll. We've seen with Bucharest in this competition over the years that away games like this can be fraught with danger, I'd expect Enesei to be strong at home and they'll throw everything at day 1. We've hopefully moved on enough in terms of quality and professionalism that the days of losing these kind of games are over.
