Sale Sharks have named their side for Friday night’s Zurich Premiership game against Newcastle Falcons at Edgeley Park (kick-off 7.45pm).

England fullback Jason Robinson skippers the Sharks, who are without the injured Steve Hanley (thumb) and Trevor Woodman (back).

Director of rugby Philippe Saint-Andre said ahead of the match: “Newcastle have hit form recently with back to back wins in the Heineken Cup and deserve our total respect.

“We have several players returning after a two week break and all my squad are fresh and ready for the challenge.”

Sale Sharks team:

15 Jason Robinson (Captain), 14 Mark Cueto, 13 Jos Baxendell, 12 Robert Todd, 11 Chris Mayor, 10 Charlie Hodgson, 9 Bryan Redpath, 1 Andrew Sheridan, 2 Andy Titterrell, 3 Stuart Turner, 4 Chris Jones, 5 Dean Schofield, 6 Jason White, 7 Magnus Lund, 8 Sebastien Chabal.

Replacements (from):

Barry Stewart, Sebastien Bruno, Pierre Caillet, Chris Day, Peter Anglesea, Mike Hercus, James Moore, Sililo Martens, Chris Rhys Jones.