Newcastle owner Dave Thompson tonight accused the Rugby Football Union of "not knowing what they are doing" as his team secured what they think is a home draw in the semi-finals of the Tetley's Bitter Cup.
The 33-20 win over London Irish at Kingston Park has definitely earned the north-east side a last four clash with Sale. However, though Thompson has a letter from the RFU stating they will be the home side if they can satisfy the demand for a venue which holds 8,000, a final decision over where the match will be played will not be taken until tomorrow.
Twickenham officials have already approached Reading Football Club for the use of the Madejski Stadium, where last season's semi-finals both took place in a well received double header.
Complications over the ground's availability and its proximity to the semi-finalists - which also include Harlequins and Leicester - have stopped the RFU from making a firm announcement.
It is thought Leeds Rhinos' 20,000-capacity rugby league ground Headingley has also been mentioned because of its central geographical position. But Thompson, having agreed an 8,000 safety limit with Newcastle City Council for the January 6 clash at Kingston Park, is adamant the match will be played as scheduled.
"Coming on top of the non-implementation of the Andrew Plan and the way they managed the England players' strike situation, it is clear the RFU haven't the faintest idea what they are doing," he said. "They are supposed to be running a multi-million pound business yet they cannot tell me where our next fixture is going to take place.
"Where did the 8,000 figure come from? There was no consultation. How many clubs satisfy that? We have just managed it but what would Sale be thinking if they had been drawn at home. As far as we are concerned, we have satisfied the criteria and the game will be played at Kingston Park no matter what the RFU say."
The row overshadowed what Newcastle director of rugby Rob Andrew described as a "dominant" performance. Apart from a 20-minute period in the first half following the loss of winger Gareth Maclure with a neck injury which required hospital treatment, Newcastle were always in command.
Returning England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson contributed 23 points, including a cheeky try direct from close-range tap penalty when the majority of the London Irish side had turned their backs expecting a kick at goal. "I turned round myself to light a cigarette, so I can't complain too much,'' smiled Irish coach Dick Best.
Liam Botham had already crossed to cancel out Ofisa Tonu'u's first-half effort and Va'aiga Tuigamala's bullet run through the split ranks of the Exiles' defence ensured Justin Bishop's injury-time score of only consolation value.
"Apart from that 20-minute period when we went flat, it was a very comfortable win," said Andrew. Jonny is a great player and today's performance was what we have come to expect of him. He has so much confidence and sees things so early. But the rest of the squad must be getting sick of him because he wins the man of the match award every time he plays.
"He is the goalkicker as well, so he sees plenty of the ball but he would be the first to admit this is a team game. The scrummaging was good today and our line-out functioned extremely well. I took this club to Twickenham in this competition two years ago, it would be nice to go there again."