Back is certain Leeds can add Newcastle’s scalp to that of Exeter

Victory at Newcastle this coming Saturday is the non-negotiable element of that challenge after yesterday’s crucial 27-22 triumph over Exeter Chiefs kept alive Leeds’s hopes of defying the odds for the second straight season.

Down and out for much of the campaign, Leeds’s third win of the season yesterday drew them to within two points of Newcastle and touching distance of safety.

“We’ve got to win two of the next four games, and bearing in mind we’ve only won three of the last 18, that is a big challenge,” said head coach Back, who after enduring a tricky opening two games in the aftermath of Andy Key’s departure, has overseen two wins in the last four games.

“We’ll do what we need to do, or we’ll die trying. I believe 100 per cent we will go to Newcastle and win.”

The Falcons have an extra game to play and their hand is further strengthened by the fact that Leeds must go on the road three times in the last four weeks of their season.

Leeds have not won on their travels yet this season, but will be buoyed by a never-say-die performance that epitomised their heart and character.

“Nobody can question the mentality or desire of this squad,” said Back, whose side beat Exeter courtesy of tries from Hendre Fourie and Alfie To’oala and 17 points from Adrian Jarvis, the final three of those coming from a nerveless drop-goal seven minutes from time that sealed the win.

“A team of less mental toughness may have capitulated, but that wasn’t the case.

“(Yesterday) was about winning. It wasn’t pretty but we battled hard and did what we had to do to win the game.

“Earlier in the season we would have lost that game, but we were smart. We’ve developed the leadership throughout the squad.

“We have learned some harsh lessons throughout the campaign and we took that into (yesterday’s) game.

“It was a simple game plan that was well executed. We’re scoring tries and we’re denying the opposition at the other end.

“In the last four games we’ve won twice and scored eight tries and conceded very few, so we’re in a good place at the moment.”

Leeds led 16-6 at the break, but when Exeter roared back to level the scores it looked like the vulnerable hosts would struggle to regain the initiative.

They managed to do so to claim a victory that is their first this season against one of the so-called lesser lights in the Premiership.

They lost twice to Sale this year and in their first big relegation showdown with Newcastle at the end of February were too easily brushed aside, a weakness Back is vowing will not happen again.

“We’ve been in this position before going into a game against Newcastle and it was probably our worst 80 minutes of the season,” said Back.

“I cannot see that happening again.

“But I’m not bothered about anyone else, I’m only concerned with Leeds Carnegie.

“The players have a wonderful attitude and commitment to this club.

“They are very insular, they just concentrate on the pitch, everything else is an interference.”