Eight changes to European line up for crunch match
Newcastle Falcons have named a side with eight changes from that which took on Stade Francais in the last round of the European Rugby Challenge Cup.
As Newcastle Falcons prepare for their crucial pool 3 match against Newport Gwent Dragons tomorrow, the club have named a side with eight changes from that which featured in the last round of the European Rugby Challenge Cup away to Stade Francais in December.
The competition’s top tackler to date, Sean Robinson, lines up in the second row alongside Kane Thompson as he returns to the Falcons’ starting line-up for the first time since the match in Paris, while second placed tackler Chris Harris will also return to European action for the club at 12 after tuning heads in the Aviva Premiership over recent weeks.
Continuing the youthful theme, Simon Hammersley will play at Full Back while Tom Penny takes his place on the right wing. Alex Tait will partner Penny on the opposing wing with Adam Powell lining up alongside Harris at outside centre.
Tom Catterick continues at Fly Half for the club after making a significant impression since his first appearance in the 10 shirt during the last European window. Ruki Tipuna completes the back line at Scrum Half.
Andy Saull returns to his position as captain of the European team, leading his side from the back row where he will line up alongside Richard Mayhew at 6 and Chris York at 8.
Completing the Falcons’ starting line-up are Alex Rogers, George McGuigan and Kieran Brookes in the front row.
Again relying on a blend of experience alongside many of the youngsters that have already turned heads for them in both European and domestic rugby this season, the Falcons will be looking to repeat their second round victory over the Dragons as they look to progress to the knock out stages of the competition.
The Falcons’ pool 3 game against Newport Gwent Dragons kicks off at 3.15pm this Saturday at Kingston Park. Tickets for the game are still available to buy [online][1], in person from the Falcons’ Ticket Office or by calling the club’s 24 hour Ticket Hotline on 0871 226 6060.
Newcastle Falcons vs Newport Gwent Dragons
15 Simon Hammersley, 14 Tom Penny, 13 Adam Powell, 12 Chris Harris, 11 Alex Tait, 10 Tom Catterick, 9 Ruki Tipuna; 1 Alex Rogers, 2 George McGuigan, 3 Kieran Brookes, 4 Sean Robinson, 5 Kane Thompson, 6 Richard Mayhew, 7 Andy Saull (c), 8 Chris York
Replacements:
16 Rob Hawkins, 17 Rob Vickers, 18 Eric Fry, 19 Will Witty, 20 Will Welch, 21 Andy Davies, 22 Rory Clegg, 23 Juan Pablo Socino.
[1]: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/newcastle-falcons/default.aspx
