Codling can sense change is in the air

THE last time Newcastle defeated Saracens in the Premiership, Labour were in power and South Africa were the World Cup holders.

- PAUL REES

That was back in 2009, 22 matches ago. They have all been won by Sarries who are at Kingston Park this afternoon in a clash between the champions and the side that finished bottom last season.

It is the longest period of dominance of one side over another since the Premiership started back in 1987. Harlequins piled up 15 successive victories over Worcester between 2006 and 2016, but that was eclipsed by Saracens five years ago.

Newcastle's 29-23 defeat at the StoneX Stadium last February marked the first losing bonus point they secured against Saracens since 2015 and after opening the season with four defeats, they are not the favourites this afternoon.

"Things are there to change," said Alex Codling, Newcastle's director of rugby, who played for Saracens in the early 2000s.

"I was not involved in the previous games and it is all about dealing with the here and now.

"There is always an emotional connection with teams you have an affinity, which happened last weekend when we went to Harlequins. I look forward to all games, never mind what has happened before, and when you play Saracens you have a heightened sense of what is coming and relish the challenge. We will rip in."