Andrew predicts exciting Powergen final

Rob Andrew has predicted a show-stopping Powergen Cup final when his Newcastle team travel south next month for their third Twickenham appearance in six seasons.

The April 17 showdown, an all-northern affair between Newcastle and Sale Sharks, is unlikely to attract anywhere near a capacity crowd.

But Falcons rugby director Andrew believes it could be a classic – and he has also not ruled out an appearance by England’s World Cup final hero Jonny Wilkinson.

“It will be a great final – a fantastic day. Both ourselves and Sale are attack-minded,” said Andrew.

“It will probably be five tries each, and a drop-goal competition at the end with Jonny Wilkinson and Charlie Hodgson coming off the bench to shoot it out!

“Our thinking is that the final is within range for Jonny to play, but it is far too early to say for sure.”