WORCESTER Warriors’ malfunctioning lineout against Newcastle Falcons was “understandable” due to their two hookers’ lack of game-time.

That’s the view of director of rugby Alan Solomons who insisted “you must be fair” to Joe Taufete’e and Jack Singleton after their misfiring displays in Warriors’ 23-20 loss to Falcons at Sixways.

With Niall Annett ruled out through illness Taufete’e started the Gallagher Premiership clash on Saturday and lasted 51 minutes before making way for Singleton who returned to action after several weeks on the sidelines with a neck issue.

But neither threw accurately as Warriors lost six of their 16 lineouts, spurning chances to capitalise on their territory.

“You must be fair to the guys,” Solomons said.

“Joey hasn’t been starting so it was his first start of the season and Jack hasn’t played a game since Hartpury. He has had 40 minutes of rugby.

“Prior to that he played for England against Barbarians which was a long time ago so he hasn’t had the reps with the side.

“It was understandable but the fact of the matter is our lineout was not good enough.”

Two converted tries from Sonatane Takulua and Sinoti Sinoti gave Falcons an early 14-0 lead before Warriors clawed their way back while Johnny Williams and George McGuigan were in the sin-bin.

A penalty try and Duncan Weir’s score got Warriors back into the game as they drew level but the boot of Toby Flood steered Newcastle to only their second victory at Sixways in 14 years.

Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards said: “Our record down here has not been great so it was never going to easy.

“I thought the boys were outstanding throughout, with some big hits going in at crucial times and they found it very difficult to retain possession.

“I have just spoken to Alan Solomons and he was bemoaning their lack of ability to play in the right areas on occasions.

“But we knew what they were about, we knew they were going to try to play in our areas so we had to counter that.”