Falcons change two for Aviva Premeirship restart
Newcastle Falcons have made two changes to the starting line-up that defeated London Irish in the LV= Cup a week ago, as the Aviva Premiership returns to action after a month long break, with the Falcons travelling to Devon to take on Exeter Chiefs.
In a side boasting a wealth of experience, including a total of 287 international caps across the 23 man squad, the only changes come in the front row with props Eric Fry and Scott Wilson making way for Rob Vickers and Juan Pablo Orlandi, who makes his first start in a Falcons shirt.
Looking to record a first ever win against Exeter at Sandy Park, director of rugby Dean Richards has handed the responsibility to tried and tested combinations that continue to show signs of development.
In an unchanged back division Simon Hammersley starts at Fullback, while Samoan duo Sinoti Sinoti and Alesana Tuilagi take the wing berths.
In the centres Adam Powell and Juan Pablo Socino line up alongside each other for the 10th time this season while Mike Blair and Tom Catterick are the starting scrum and fly half.
In the pack and in between the new props, Scott Lawson starts at Hooker as Calum Green and Scott MacLeod start in the second row.
The starting 15 is completed by Mark Wilson on the blindside flank, captain Will Welch on the openside and Ally Hogg at number 8.
On the bench, front row options are provided by Rob Hawkins, Alex Rogers and Scott Wilson, while Dom Barrow and Richard Mayhew provide cover for the second and back rows.
Back replacements are provided by Ruki Tipuna, Gonzalo Tiesi, who is in line for a first appearance since retiring injured from the fray against Sale Sharks in November and Alex Tait, who will make his 150th appearance for the club, should he take to the field on Saturday.
Saturday’s game kicks off at 16:30 with live text commentary via the club’s official twitter feed and app.
BBC Radio Newcastle will be broadcasting live commentary on 95.4 FM, 1458 AM, DAB and online while highlights will be screened on ITV4 from 8pm on Sunday evening.
**Newcastle Falcons v Exeter Chiefs
14th February 2015 – KO 16:30**
15 Simon Hammersley, 14 Sinoti Sinoti, 13 Adam Powell, 12 Juan Pablo Socino, 11 Alesana Tuilagi, 10 Tom Catterick, 9 Mike Blair, 1 Rob Vickers, 2 Scott Lawson, 3 Juan Pablo Orlandi, 4 Calum Green, 5 Scott MacLeod, 6 Mark Wilson, 7 Will Welch (c) 8 Ally Hogg
Replacements
16 Rob Hawkins, 17 Mark Irving, 18 Scott Wilson, 19 Dom Barrow, 20 Richard Mayhew, 21 Ruki Tipuna, 22 Gonzalo Tiesi, 23 Alex Tait.
