TEAM NEWS: GLOUCESTER V NEWCASTLE

Friday 21 March 2014 Written by: Adam


After scoring arguably the try of the match in England Under-20s’ 67-7 victory over Wales Under-20s in the Six Nations at Kingston Park a fortnight ago, Zach Kibirige starts on the wing.

The Middlesbrough-born teenager replaces Lee Smith, who drops to the bench while former Munster man Danny Barnes returns at centre.

Meanwhile, Oliver Tomaszczyk comes in for the suspended Kieran Brookes at tighthead with Chris York rounding off the changes at No.8, replacing the injured Mark Wilson.

“Gloucester are a side that like to throw the ball around, and you only have to watch them throughout the season to see that they play with a lot of ambition which is nice to see,” said Newcastle director of rugby Dean Richards.

“I used to love playing at Kingsholm and if you haven’t played down there then I think you’ve missed out on something special.

“It’s one of those places where you never forget once you’ve played there and it has a lasting memory on you,” added Richards.

**Newcastle Falcons:** 15 Alex Tait, 14 Noah Cato, 13 Gonzalo Tiesi, 12 Danny Barnes, 11 Zach Kibirige, 10 Phil Godman, 9 Mike Blair, 1 Rob Vickers, 2 Scott Lawson, 3 Oliver Tomaszczyk, 4 Scott MacLeod, 5 Fraser McKenzie, 6 Will Welch (c), 7 Andy Saull, 8 Chris York

**Replacements:** 16 George McGuigan, 17 Gary Strain, 18 Scott Wilson, 19 Sean Tomes, 20 Richard Mayhew, 21 Warren Fury, 22 Joel Hodgson, 23 Lee Smith