Falcons name side to face Sale Jets
Newcastle Falcons A team have announced the side looking to make it two home wins from two in the Aviva A League this evening, showing 10 changes to the starting XV that routed Worcester Cavaliers 75 – 22 back in November.
Sale Jets are the visitors to Kingston Park for the 7pm kick off as the Falcons look to maintain pace with Northern Conference leaders Gloucester United, ahead of their head to head in the New Year.
The majority of changes come in the backs, with Zach Kibirige the only player to remain from that win, moving from wing to fullback and taking over the captaincy for the evening.
As a result of the changes, the Falcons will field a powerful backline ready to be unleashed by a half back pairing of two of the club’s emerging starlets.
Fresh from a European Rugby Challenge Cup start away to Connacht, 18 year old tyro Dan Marshall lines up at number 11, with Italian star Giamba Venditti in the 14 shirt.
In the centre’s there is a welcome first start for Adam Redman, with the promising centre lining up outside Juan Pablo Socino in his first appearance since recovering from a knee injury sustained last year.
Fresh from a 40 minute stint in yesterdays win over Connacht, the Argentine made a number of trademark blockbusting runs and will be eager to deliver more of the same this evening.
Looking to get this potent force moving will be Ruaridh Dawson at Scrum Half and Brett Connon in the number 10 shirt.
In the pack, a brand new front row sees summer signings Ben Harris, Santiago Socino and Paddy Ryan start, while Will Witty is a new second row partner for Glen Young, who continues to enjoy an impressive season while dual registered with Green King IPA Championship side Doncaster Knights.
Completing the starting line up, Sebastian Ferreria starts on the blindside flank, Callum Chick takes to the openside while American international Todd Clever continues at Number 8.
On the replacement bench, Adam Brocklebank is in line for a first appearance of the season along with Under 18’s prospect Jamie Blamire and USA tighthead Eric Fry as the front row replacements.
Billingham RFC and Hartlepool 6th Form College product Josh Williams gets another chance to impress after coming of the bench away at Northampton Wanderers while Joe Craggs gives another loose forward option.
Another promising face from the Falcons Under 18 academy to feature this evening, is Durham School’s James Elliot who will provide Scrum Half cover, while the replacements are completed by Tom Grimes, from Blaydon RFC and Joe Luca Smith, who impressed on his debut for the A Team away to Northampton Saints in round one of the competition.
Tonight’s game is open to spectators, with entry free and via the Tap & Tackle in the East Stand, which will be open serving refreshments throughout.
**Newcastle Falcons A
V Sale Jets – 21/12/2015 – KO 7pm**
15 Zach Kibirige (c), 14 Giamba Venditti, 13 Adam Redman, 12 Juan Pablo Socino, 11 Dan Marshall, 10 Brett Connon, 9 Ruaridh Dawson, 1 Ben Harris, 2 Santiago Socino, 3 Paddy Ryan, 4 Will Witty, 5 Glen Young, 6 Seb Ferreira 7 Callum Chick, 8 Todd Clever
16 Jamie Balmire, 17 Adam Brocklebank 18 Eric Fry 19 Josh Williams, 20 Joe Craggs, 21 James Elliott, 22 Tom Grimes, 23 Joe Luca Smith
