“I got on briefly for a blood bin that day, and from memory the scoreline probably flattered us a bit as I thought they dominated us up front for much of the game.

“It was a tough battle, but then that’s what you’d expect from a side whose pack is coached by George Graham, and then a lot of our lads also worked with Steve Bates, who is never scared to try a few things in the backs which can hurt you at times.”

Having been pulled out of the side late last weekend ahead of Sunday’s defeat at champions London Wasps following a high tackle from Worcester’s Aisea Havili the week before, Walder said: “I think I would have enjoyed last weekend with the way we wanted to play the game.

“It might have suited my style with a bit more kicking from hand and territory, so it was disappointing to miss out and frustrating to watch it.

“I took a bang in the head from a Worcester player when I scored a try late in the game on New Year’s Day. The guy was desperately trying to stop me score, and in the process caught me in the head, which I’m sure was more reckless than malicious.

“I didn’t get up for a few minutes after the try, but in fairness that was probably just because I was knackered after running 80 metres! It was only afterwards when I couldn’t remember anything about it that I thought I better have a look, and the medics tested me on the computer to see if I would be okay to play down at Wasps.

“I took the test about four or five times that week, and I failed it so often that they were mistaking me for a front rower! The docs erred on the side of caution and pulled me out of the team on Sunday morning, but I feel fine now and can’t wait for this weekend.”

Now playing behind a Falcons pack undergoing a recent resurgence, Walder said: “The forwards have really stepped their game up, and our set piece is pretty solid now.

“We’re competing with every side in the scrum and turning a fair bit of opposition ball over around the park, so as a fly half the game is much easier when you’re going forward.”

On the personal front, with the form of Toby Flood and Jonny Wilkinson keeping him out of the team at varying stages, Walder said: “It’s been a tough year, and if I’m honest I feel that when I’ve come in to the side I’ve generally played well.

“Maybe the consistency has lacked a little at times, which Rob has talked to me about, and I haven’t had as much rugby as I would have liked, but Sunday is a great chance to get back in there and give it a real go.”