NEWCASTLE Falcons have “evolved” and are playing with “a lot more width and ambition”, warns Worcester Warriors head coach Carl Hogg.

The former Gloucester coach says Falcons have developed their “offloading game” and it will be a “good challenge” for Warriors in Sunday's crucial Aviva Premiership clash at Sixways (3pm).

Falcons have been a surprise package in the top tier this term, climbing to sixth in the table after impressive wins against Sale Sharks and Gloucester.

Apart from a 58-5 battering at Bath, Dean Richards’ side have been very competitive and gave Leicester Tigers a fright before they were edged out 14-13 at Kingston Park.

Worcester achieved a double over Falcons last term, including a hard-fought 28-20 win at Sixways last season.

“Newcastle look like they have evolved a lot as a rugby side,” said Hogg.

“They are obviously very well coached and have a good defensive system and good defensive patterns.

“But they look very ambitious with ball in hand and when I saw them against Bath and Gloucester they were looking to throw the ball about and it will be a good challenge for us on Sunday."

Hogg added: “Newcastle are playing with a lot more width and ambition than I have seen them in the past and they look a really good attacking side.

“They are offloading the ball and looking to keep the tempo of the game very high."

Falcons secured an 18-13 triumph at Gloucester last Saturday but have not won successive away games in the same Premiership campaign since 2011/12.

Worcester’s only defeat in their last seven Premiership matches against Falcons was a 16-11 loss at Sixways in October 2013.

Warriors are second-bottom in the Premiership and desperately need a win after drawing against Gloucester (23-23) and Sale (34-34) in their opening two home fixtures.

Warriors have surrendered sizeable leads in their last three games, including 20-9 cushion against Gloucester, 17-3 at Bath in a 37-22 loss and a 31-17 advantage against Sale last Saturday.

Hogg knows that, with such a poor away record historically in the top tier, Warriors must win their home matches.

“Winning games at home in the Premiership is vital and it’s critical to your success in the season,” said Hogg.

“Sunday is no different against Newcastle – it’s a home fixture which we are looking to perform in.

“In the two home games against Gloucester and Sale we have shown enough intent with ball in hand.

“I think the Gloucester outcome changed on the back of a red card decision and we needed to stay robust when we were put under pressure by Sale. Those are the lessons we are looking to take forward.”

Hogg added: “We have been talking about processes this week – just sticking to our roles and our task and making sure we perform the best of our ability."

Results so far this season: Worcester Warriors: Saracens (Twickenham) 3-35; Gloucester (home) 23-23, Bath away (22-37), Sale Sharks (home) 34-34.

Newcastle Falcons: Sale Sharks (home) 19-17; Bath (away) 5-58; Leicester Tigers (home) 13-14; Gloucester (away) 18-13.

Referee: Tom Foley; assistant referees: Phillip Watters and Kelvin Stewart; television match official: Keith Lewis.