Newcastle Falcons have made just one change to their side for Friday night's Guinness Premiership visit of Northampton Saints to Kingston Park (kick-off 8pm).

Following on from Sunday’s 15-11 win at high-flying London Irish director of rugby Steve Bates has chosen to stick with the bulk of that side, the only change coming on the wing as Tom Biggs replaces fellow Yorkshireman Danny Williams.

Speaking ahead of the game, Bates said: “Last weekend was a fantastic result down at London Irish, on the back of a lot of hard work.

“A Sunday to Friday turnaround has meant we have had to manage the players’ workload during the week, but everyone is keen to get back out there following such a great result in Reading.”

With a relatively clean bill of health on the injury front seeing Brent Wilson as the only front-line absentee while Filipo Levi remains on international duty with Samoa, Bates said: “We’re picking from strength, but we know that Northampton will provide a huge challenge on Friday night.

“They have quality players right across the field and, like ourselves, have won their last three Guinness Premiership games, so it should be a cracking match for the supporters.

“One player we will all be familiar with, of course, is our former captain Phil Dowson, and knowing Dows as I do I’m sure we can look forward to a suitably firey encounter.”

With the Falcons hopeful of recording their biggest home crowd of the season, Bates said: “The Friday night atmospheres are always special at Kingston Park, and if our fans come out in their numbers then it will be a great occasion to really lift the players.”

Tickets for Friday’s game (kick-off 8pm) are still available by calling 0871 226 60 60, via the club website or from Kingston Park in person.

Newcastle Falcons team to face Northampton Saints:

15 Alex Tait
14 Charlie Amesbury
13 Rob Vickerman
12 Tane Tu’ipulotu
11 Tom Biggs
10 Jimmy Gopperth
9 Micky Young

1 Jon Golding
2 Rob Vickers
3 Carl Hayman (captain)
4 James Hudson
5 Mark Sorenson
6 Tim Swinson
7 Will Welch
8 Adam Balding

Replacements:

16 Alex Walker
17 Micky Ward
18 Laurence Ovens
19 Josh Afu
20 Ed Williamson
21 Hall Charlton
22 Rob Miller
23 Gcobani Bobo