Gopperth keen to make amends
September 11 2009
Jimmy Gopperth is looking to tune the radar in at Kingston Park on Sunday, as Newcastle host Sale Sharks in their first home game of the season.
Despite an assured debut around the field in last Sunday's 9-9 draw at Leeds Carnegie, the New Zealander admitted to mixed feelings after recording a three-from-seven effort from the tee.
"Kicking is a part of my game that I really enjoy and place a lot of stock in, so naturally I was really disappointed to only hit three from seven last weekend down at Leeds," said Gopperth.
"There's obviously more pressure on me as a goal-kicker having missed four from seven last weekend, but that's just life and I'm fully aware of it. I'm there to kick the goals, goals win matches so when I miss a few it's perfectly natural that it's a talking point. It was obviously disappointing down at Leeds, but I'm a very confident person and I've not let it affect my preparation this week in the slightest.
"The frustrating thing was that I was actually striking the ball really sweetly so it's only very minor adjustment that's needed, but it's something I've been working hard at this week in readiness for Sale Sharks on Sunday.
"I've heard about the famous Kingston Park swirl, but to be fair I was out there this morning hitting some kicks and you couldn't have wished for a better day."
Revealing his team's frustration at missing out on victory at Headingley, the 26-year-old who joined the Falcons from the Blues this summer after racking up 363 points in his 52 Super 14 outings explained the post-match feelings.
"Most times after a drawn game the teams will be a little disappointed but still fairly happy they got a share of the points, but walking into our changing room after the final whistle you could hear a pin drop," he said.
"The guys were really upset at the draw, and whilst the result wasn't what we wanted at least it shows what winning means to us and how much we value getting victories for the Falcons. I really believe in the quality of players we have here, and I can't wait to get out there again.
"It was enjoyable, and it was good to represent the Falcons in a Guinness Premiership game. Everyone's excited about getting out there in front of our home fans, there has been a real atmosphere in training that it's coming together and, for a lot of us, this will be our first league game here at Kingston Park."
Looking at areas for improvement in the north-east this weekends, Gopperth admits that Sale will pose stiff competition following their opening day upset of champions Leicester.
"We've made a few changes this week which we feel will suit us, and how we want to play," he continued.
"Everyone was just that little bit too keen last week, we got caught a little bit flat positionally at times so it's just a case of relaxing, keeping calm, finding some more flow and holding our depth in the back line.
"I've seen a bit of Sale Sharks on the tapes from the last few weeks, and before that I've caught a few of their games what with Luke McAlister playing there last season.
"They're a good outfit with some star players in their squad, and in Charlie Hodgson they have someone who really guides them around the field. Defensively we'll have to be really on our guard, and then in attack just stick to what we've talked about in training.
"We're going to take the game to them, and you go into every match confident that you can get the job done."