Newcastle must build on 'buzz' from Lyon comeback

Head coach Alan Dickens believes that the manner of Newcastle Red Bulls' win away to Lyon in the European Challenge Cup offers a blueprint for the team going forward.

Winless in The Prem, the Red Bulls survived a period in the second half with 14 men after a yellow card for Amanaki Mafi, before scoring two late tries to turn a one-point deficit into a nine-point victory in France.

A good start to their European campaign has lifted the mood at Kingston Park after a dismal start to the domestic season with six defeats out of six in the league.

"There's a buzz around the place. But we've got to build on that this week and take it into the three league games over the Christmas period," said Dickens.

"One of the most pleasing aspects of Saturday was how we reacted after the yellow card.

"Our response after that, the way we controlled the tempo of the game, we didn't give away one penalty, we didn't give away a point. To be away from home and for us not to concede was absolutely massive.

"The character we showed will encourage us and show that we can hold teams out and then capitalise and take our chances when we get back on the front foot.

"That determination and character when we were defending was fantastic."

With four teams out of six in Pool 2 progressing to the last-16, another victory over South African side Lions at home on Saturday would put the Red Bulls in a strong position to go through.

Newcastle have upcoming Prem matches against Bath, Bristol Bears and Gloucester followed by their final two European group games in January.

"To get an away win when we've not had many of those over the last few years was fantastic," said Dickens.

"The players were buzzing, and it was well deserved for the hard work they have put in over the last few weeks."