Newcastle Falcons have made four changes to their side as they prepare for Sunday’s European Challenge Cup semi-final against London Irish at Kingston Park (kick-off 12.35pm).

Director of rugby, Rob Andrew, will give fitness tests to a number of his team over the weekend as they bid to shake off a range of knocks.

“Under tournament regulations we have to name our team by noon on Friday, and while we are happy to do that, the number of fitness tests we have over the course of the weekend means that this team may well change by the time kick-off comes,” said Andrew.

The Falcons have made two changes in the pack where Andy Perry is set to return for Luke Gross in the second row, although Perry will undergo a test on his shoulder before the match to see if he is able to start, as will fellow lock Geoff Parling.

Ben Woods replaces Cory Harris at openside flanker, while in the backs Jamie Noon comes in for the injured Mark Mayerhofler at inside centre and Dave Walder starts for Toby Flood at fly half.

“We want our strongest possible team out there on Sunday, and so we will give the injured players a bit of time to prove their fitness,” said Andrew.

“The implications of this game are massive with a place in a European final and the prospect of Heineken Cup rugby, so we are throwing absolutely everything in to it.”

Tickets for all areas of the stadium are still available by calling 0871 226 60 60, popping to Kingston Park during office hours and on the day itself.

Newcastle Falcons team:

15 Matthew Burke
14 Tom May
13 Mathew Tait
12 Jamie Noon
11 Anthony Elliott
10 Dave Walder
9 James Grindal

1 Micky Ward
2 Andy Long
3 Robbie Morris
4 Andy Perry
5 Geoff Parling
6 Mike McCarthy
7 Ben Woods
8 Colin Charvis (captain)

Replacements:

Jonny Williams
Matt Thompson
Owen Finegan
Cory Harris
Toby Flood
Hall Charlton
Jonny Wilkinson

ENDS