Falcons ready to engage Exeter in Europe
Newcastle Falcons go in search of a place in the European Rugby Challenge Cup semi finals with a team showing just two changes from last weekend’s match at London Irish.
Both of the changes come in the backs, with Juan Pablo Socino replacing countryman Gonzalo Tiesi and Chris Harris stepping in for Noah Cato.
Socino’s inclusion sees a further positional switch with Adam Powell moving across to the outside centre berth as the Argentine lines up at number 12.
The club’s leading Aviva Premiership try scorer Sinoti, makes his first start in European competition for the club, after being added into the registered squad since the last pool fixture.
Harris makes his first start since making a successful return from injury last weekend from the bench with director of rugby Dean Richards describing his selection as being a form team.
Coming up against what will be a strong, physical Chiefs pack, the Falcons have announced an experienced and unchanged forward unit for the game as Rob Vickers, Scott Lawson and Kieran Brookes make up the front row, Dom Barrow and Kane Thompson in the second row while Mayhew, Welch and Wilson secure the back row.
On the bench, USA and Argentina internationals Eric Fry and Juan Pablo Orlandi are the replacement props for the weekend with George McGuigan the extra choice at hooker.
Calum Green and Dan Temm are the extra options in the pack with Tane Takulua, Rory Clegg and Simon Hammersley completing the replacement backs.
The match marks the Falcons first appearance in the knock out stages of European action since 2009 and pays further testament to the strides being made by the club this season.
For supporters unable to travel to Exeter, the Tap & Tackle at Kingston Park will be showing the game live, which kicks of at 8pm.
Newcastle Falcons vs Exeter Chiefs:
15 Alex Tait, 14 Chris Harris, 13 Adam Powell, 12 Juan Pablo Socino, 11 Sinoti Sinoti, 10 Tom Catterick, 9 Ruki Tipuna;
1 Rob Vickers, 2 Scott Lawson, 3 Kieran Brookes, 4 Dom Barrow, 5 Kane Thompson, 6 Richard Mayhew, 7 Will Welch (c), 8 Mark Wilson.
Replacements
16 George McGuigan, 17 Eric Fry, 18 Juan Pablo Orlandi, 19 Calum Green, 20 Dan Temm, 21 Tane Takulua, 22 Rory Clegg, 23 Simon Hammersley.
