FALCONS MAKE FIVE CHANGES FOR SAINTS TRIP
The experienced Scotland international, partners Phil Godman at half-back and is one of five changes to the side that travelled to Gloucester in the LV= Cup last weekend.
Godman replaces Rory Clegg at fly-half while in the front-row hooker Scott Lawson and tighthead Oliver Tomaszczyk get the nod alongside Rob Vickers. Second-row Fraser McKenzie steps up to the mark in place of Dom Barrow.
“Northampton Saints is a tough proposition for the boys, but this is what we are back in the Aviva Premiership for to play in the big games like these,” said Falcons director of rugby Dean Richards.
He added: “We are all looking forward to the challenge of playing in front of a packed Franklin’s Gardens, and it’s a great opportunity for the lads.
“We will have to be right on our game to get a result down there and hopefully we can build on our solid start to the season.
“We’ve made a decent start to the campaign and three wins and a losing bonus point isn’t a bad return in the Premiership, but there is much room for improvement.”
Falcons No.8 Ally Hogg undertook the media duties alongside Richards this week, and the seasoned Scot is relishing the clash.
He said: “It’s always a good atmosphere down at Franklin’s Gardens and we want to be challenging these teams on the big stage week in and week out.
“Northampton are a top quality side and are one of the big four teams in the league, so we know what to expect from them.”
Newcastle Falcons: 15 Alex Tait, 14 Noah Cato, 13 Danny Barnes, 12 Adam Powell, 11 Ryan Shortland, 10 Phil Godman, 9 Mike Blair, 1 Rob Vickers, 2 Scott Lawson, 3 Oliver Tomaszczyk, 4 Carlo del Fava, 5 Fraser McKenzie, 6 Richard Mayhew, 7 Will Welch (c), 8 Ally Hogg
Replacements: 16 George McGuigan, 17 Grant Shiells, 18 Scott Wilson, 19 Scott MacLeod, 20 Chris York, 21 Warren Fury, 22 Rory Clegg, 23 James Fitzpatrick
