Red Bulls can take some confidence from Bristol

Saturday afternoon saw Newcastle Red Bulls lose out 36-27 to Bristol Bears.

More improvement

It goes without saying but a performance that saw Newcastle Red Bulls take their first league point of the season is going to be an improvement. The four tries were scored by Murray McCallum, Ollie Leatherbarrow and a brace for Oli Spencer. Oli Spencer is one of these younger players along with Oscar Usher who is really taking his chance this season.I'd go as far as saying if Noah Caluori had scored Spencer's first try then everyone would've been all over it, the finish in the corner was exceptional.

There definitely seems to be some encouraging signs in the Red Bulls attack. When the ball was quick they looked dangerous, I'm sure this Stephen Jones inspired attack will continue to improve.

Frustration

Red Bulls were leading 12-17 at half time, there'll probably be some frustration around the ability to keep the intensity up to live with teams for longer. Also they'll be looking for a bigger impact from the bench. When Bristol can bring on the likes of Ellis Genge and Pedro Rubiolo that also helps.

The Bristol tries were generally scored through breaks in the wider channels, this is an area that Red Bulls have looked vulnerable in for most of the seasons when teams have gone wide.

Cause for optimism

Remembering how late this takeover happened and players coming in late due to that there's genuine cause for optimism for Red Bulls fans. Tom Christie has been a really good signing, living up to his reputation. Simon Benitez Cruz is a classy operator at scrum half who also has a bit of aggression about him. As I've said earlier on Oscar Usher and Oli Spencer have really taken their chances this season. With Hoskins Sotutu and others to be announced this squad will start to evolve into a threat for any team in the league.

Next up

Gloucester come up to Kingston Park and Friday night and Red Bulls will be fancying their chances of defeating a Gloucester side with injuries and next to no confidence. It's a 19:45 kick off and as ever tickets are selling well. I have a feeling that the powers that be at Newcastle Red Bulls have had their eyes on this fixture for quite some time.