CROSS KEYS V FALCONS TEAM NEWS
The two-time Aviva Premiership Golden Boot winner will lead his charges out for the match knowing that victory over the Welsh outfit will secure a home quarter-final.
Falcons boss Dean Richards has rang the changes with six new faces coming into the starting XV including a debut for No.8 Ollie Stedman, who recently made the switch from National League One club Tynedale.
Andrew Higgins, Alex Crockett, Jamie Helleur and Ryan Shortland all come into a re-jigged backline with Jimmy Gopperth and Warren Fury combining at half-back.
Experienced lock James Hudson gets the nod in the pack as the Falcons aim to round off the British and Irish Cup pool stages with a flourish.
Director of rugby Richards said: “In some ways it’s nice to get a two week break as it gives you a chance to work on a few things that you might not usually be able to work on.
“We also have a few injuries and the break has given them the opportunity to get back.
“A home quarter-final would be nice and we’ve picked a team to go down there and win – we also want some continuity in the side.”
**Newcastle Falcons:** 15 Tom Catterick, 14 Andy Higgins, 13 Alex Crockett, 12 Jamie Helleur, 11 Ryan Shortland, 10 Jimmy Gopperth, 9 Warren Fury, 1 Jonny Golding, 2 Rob Vickers, 3 Oliver Tomaszczyk, 4 James Hudson, 5 Scott MacLeod, 6 Mark Wilson, 7 Will Welch (c), 8 Ollie Stedman
**Replacements:** 16 Matt Thompson, 17 James Hall, 18 Richard Mayhew, 19 Chris York, 20 Rory Lawson, 21 Joel Hodgson, 22 James Fitzpatrick
