Newcastle Falcons welcome back fit-again centre Tane Tu'ipulotu at Kingston Park on Sunday, as they host London Wasps in the final round of LV= Cup pool matches (kick-off 3pm).
The Falcons have designated the game as a special fundraiser for the 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Northern Region, having reduced all adult ticket prices to £10 and all juniors and concessions to just £5.A percentage of every ticket sold will go towards helping injured Fusiliers and the families of those killed in battle, while the Falcons will also host a bucket collection and donate prize money should they win the game.
The hosts’ cause has been buoyed by the return of centre Tu’ipulotu, who joins Alex Tait, Charlie Amesbury and Hall Charlton in being recalled to the Newcastle back line.
In the pack director of rugby Steve Bates has had to make late adjustments after injury ruled out forward pair Mark Sorenson and Adam Balding.
Alex Walker continues at hooker after his sensational hat-trick of tries last weekend at Cardiff Blues, while Micky Ward comes into the front row on the loose head side. Samoan international Filipo Levi returns to the side in the second row, with a new-look back row seeing Mark Wilson in at blindside flanker, Brent Wilson at openside and Josh Afu at No.8.
On the bench Alex Gray and Will Welch have been named pending a clean bill of health from England’s Under-20s game against Wales on Friday, whilst skipper Carl Hayman and top points scorer Jimmy Gopperth are also among the replacements.
Insisting his side is still hungry for victory despite having no change of progression in the LV= Cup, Bates said: “Motivation has never been an issue, even though we’re already out of the competition.
“This tournament is a great opportunity for players to get game time in that first team environment, the players enjoy it and then obviously there is the fact that we’re playing in front of our home supporters, which is motivation enough in itself. We’re going out there to win the game, we believe we have a good chance and Wasps will obviously be keen to avenge our victory down there from last month.
“Aside from the obvious motivational factors surrounding every single game, we also have added importance this weekend with the fact that we’re linking up with the 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Northern Region. We are extremely supportive of what they are doing in extremely difficult circumstances, and I am sure our supporters will join us in really getting behind them to raise some funds on Sunday for the injured Fusiliers and the families of those who have lost their lives in battle.”
Expanding on his respect for the armed forces, Bates added: “We spent some time with the Royal Marines over the summer, and soldiers who had seen active service came and spoke to us about what it was like out in Afghanistan.
“We were all very moved and humbled by the bravery and modesty of those guys, and whilst we are not from a military background here I think the club has developed a great affinity with their ethics and the way they work together as a team.
“We have a huge respect for what they are doing and the manner in which they conduct themselves, and I’m sure our supporters will feel the same way when they show their appreciation to the Fusiliers on Sunday.”
With the North-East again struck by the elements this week, Bates allayed any fears over the game, stating: “The pitch looks okay to be honest, given the weather we’ve had over the recent weeks and months. There has been a lot of snow and rain around, but the frost covers are on and there’s no danger in terms of the match not going ahead.
“It’s not going to be bone dry, let’s be honest, but we need to move away from an angle where we come out and say we can only play on a firm, dry track. Realistically we’ve got to be able to cope with all conditions, because the reality is that pitches in February are wet and heavy. It could be firmer and we would certainly like it to be, but we have to move forward, adapt our game to the conditions and just remove it as an excuse.”
Tickets for Sunday’s game are still available for £10 adults and £5 juniors by calling 0871 226 60 60, or from the stadium on the day.
Newcastle Falcons team to face London Wasps
15 Alex Tait
14 Danny Williams
13 Rob Vickerman
12 Tane Tu'ipulotu
11 Charlie Amesbury
10 Rob Miller
9 Hall Charlton (captain)
1 Micky Ward
2 Alex Walker
3 Matt Thompson
4 Peter Browne
5 Filipo Levi
6 Mark Wilson
7 Brent Wilson
8 Josh Afu
Replacements
16 Kieran Brookes
17 Carl Hayman
18 Grant Shiells
19 Will Welch
20 Alex Gray
21 Chris Pilgrim
22 Jimmy Gopperth
23 Tom Biggs
