The Falcons are two from two going into the 7.30pm Franklin’s Gardens clash after bonus point wins over Wasps (67-21) and Sale (31-0), Hogg (pictured) skippering a side containing six full internationals.

Canada’s all-time leading try-scorer DTH van der Merwe starts at outside centre with a wing pairing of Sinoti Sinoti and Belisario Agulla – Joel Hodgson and Ruaridh Dawson forming a homegrown half-back pairing.

Fit-again back-rower Opeti Fonua gets a first run of the season at No 8, Scott Wilson making a first start of the campaign following a pair of bench outings in Europe over the past fortnight.

**Newcastle Falcons team to face Northampton (Monday, 7.30pm, Franklin’s Gardens)**

15 Brett Connon

14 Belisario Agulla

13 DTH van der Merwe

12 Joel Matavesi

11 Sinoti Sinoti

10 Joel Hodgson

9 Ruaridh Dawson

1 Adam Brocklebank

2 Ben Sowrey

3 Scott Wilson

4 Evan Olmstead

5 Glen Young

6 Ally Hogg (captain)

7 Simon Uzokwe

8 Opeti Fonua

**Replacements**

16 Jamie Blamire

17 Jack Bergmanas (Doncaster)

18 Diogo Ferreira

19 Andrew Davidson

20 Will Montgomery

21 Cam Kelemeti

22 Charlie Wilson

23 Cameron Cowell