SARACENS V FALCONS TEAM NEWS
After making his 100th appearance for the Falcons as a second-half replacement in last weekend’s 13-11 triumph over London Irish at Kingston Park, skipper Will Welch makes a welcome return to the starting XV.
Kieran Brookes replaces Oliver Tomaszczyk at tight-head, while former Saracens man Noah Cato and Scotland international Phil Godman get the nod on the wing and at fly-half respectively.
The Falcons sit in eighth place, two points behind Harlequins, who occupy sixth position, and boss Dean Richards admits his side have nothing to lose in the capital this weekend.
“It’s going to be an interesting game against a quality side, but we’re going down there with absolutely nothing to lose,” said Richards.
“They’re a talented side with a lot of strength in depth, and despite them losing a series of players for the autumn internationals, they have top class players coming into the team,” he added.
Sunday’s clash marks the return of former Sarries players Cato and Adam Powell to Allianz Park with the latter relishing the contest.
Powell said: “Saracens is a brilliant challenge for us, especially after the win against London Irish, and it will be a good opportunity to see where we are at as a team, and we’ll be looking to go out there and play some good rugby.
“There’s been a real buzz in training this week, and after you get a win under your belt, there’s always an extra zip in the sessions and everyone has a bit more energy.
“I’m really looking forward to the game.”
**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 Kieran Brookes, 4 Carlo del Fava, 5 Dom Barrow, 6 Mark Wilson, 7 Will Welch (c), 8 Ally Hogg
**Replacements:** 16 George McGuigan, 17 Grant Shiells, 18 Scott Wilson, 19 Fraser McKenzie, 20 Richard Mayhew, 21 Warren Fury, 22 Rory Clegg, 23 James Fitzpatrick
