LV= Cup Team News
The Falcons began their Anglo-Welsh campaign with a 29-21 victory at home to London Irish last weekend, their second victory over the Exiles in as many weeks.
Alex Tait replaces Tom Catterick at full-back while there are starts in the backline for centre Adam Powell and winger Ryan Shortland.
In the front-row props Rob Vickers and Scott Wilson get the nod with the latter starting for the first time since his outing at Brive in the Amlin Challenge Cup.
Italian international Carlo del Fava and burgeoning talent Dom Barrow are named in the second-row while Ally Hogg rounds off the changes, coming in for Chris York at No.8.
“It’s going to be a similar challenge to what we faced last week against Irish, and we know it’s going to be a tough contest for us down at Kingsholm,” said head coach Peter Russell.
“At the end of the day we’ve got to make sure that we put pressure on them upfront, and we are well aware of the talent they have at their disposal.
“A certain James Hudson will also want to make an impression against his former club, so we will have to be on our mettle, and go down there and perform to the best of our ability,” added Russell.
In other news Falcons fly-half Joel Hodgson will be playing for Rotherham Titans against Bristol Rugby this weekend, as the former RGS pupil is dual registered with the South Yorkshire club.
**Newcastle Falcons:** 15 Alex Tait, 14 Noah Cato, 13 Danny Barnes, 12 Adam Powell, 11 Ryan Shortland, 10 Rory Clegg, 9 Warren Fury, 1 Rob Vickers, 2 George McGuigan, 3 Scott Wilson, 4 Carlo del Fava, 5 Dom Barrow, 6 Richard Mayhew, 7 Will Welch (c), 8 Ally Hogg
**Replacements:** 16 Kieran Brookes, 17 Gary Strain, 18 Grant Shiells, 19 Scott MacLeod, 20 Mark Wilson, 21 Mike Blair, 22 Zach Kibirige, 23 Phil Godman
