NEWCASTLE FALCONS lock Sean Robinson is confident his side are capable of springing a Boxing Day surprise when they travel to Leicester Tigers this afternoon.

While Falcons are still searching for their first league win of the season, Leicester have won five of their opening six Aviva Premiership matches and currently sit in third position in the table.

But with Newcastle having recorded a morale-boosting European Challenge Cup win over Connacht last weekend, Robinson is hoping they will take some positive momentum with them when they travel to Welford Road.

“Many people will be writing us off, but I think we’re more than capable of rising to the challenge,” said the Falcons second rower. “Welford Road is a very tough place to go and Leicester are playing well at the moment, but if we put in the type of performance we did against Connacht we will be okay.

“We’ve already played against most of what will be their team twice this season in the Kings of the North competition, so have a good idea of what to expect. There were a few internationals to come back in, but we were in the same position.”

Last weekend’s victory lifted Falcons to second position in their Challenge Cup pool, and the dates for the remaining European games have now been fixed.

Dean Richards’ side will travel to Russia to take on Enisei STM on January 16 before welcoming French club Brive to Kingston Park on January 23.

First, though, they will focus on improving their position at the foot of the table, with just two points currently separating them from bottom club London Irish.

“Last weekend was a really positive result for us, and gives us a positive mind-set going into this weekend’s game,” said Robinson. “Getting a win builds confidence, and that’s going to really help us going back into the Premiership.

“It’s a very exciting challenge for us. You expect to go down there and it be close to a full house, but we’re excited for that.”