New Zealand international Mike Delany will make his club debut in Newcastle Falcons’ final game of the Kings of the North competition at the AJ Bell Stadium tomorrow night.
The Fly Half is one of six changes to a Falcons’ line up which also includes Full Back Simon Hammersley, making his first appearance back from injury for the club.
Last week’s Full Back Marcus Watson moves onto the wings in place of the injured Zach Kibirige and is partnered by Tom Penny, stepping up to the first XV after appearing from the bench against Leicester Tigers last Friday.
Chris Harris returns to the starting line-up to partner Adam Powell in the centres while Ruki Tipuna continues at Scrum Half after a string of impressive pre-season performances.
There is only one change to the Falcons’ starting pack as Calum Green comes into the second row alongside England international Mouritz Botha.
Elsewhere the forwards remain unchanged, Scotland international Scott Lawson flanked by Rob Vickers and Alex Rogers in the front row and last week’s try-scoring debutant USA international Todd Clever joined in the back row by Richard Mayhew and club captain Will Welch.
The Falcons bench sees four changes from last weekend, Academy graduate Sean Robinson and Scotland international Scott MacLeod providing second row replacements .
Hooker George McGuigan and Props Ben Harris and Andrew Foster provide front row replacements while former England Under 18s captain Callum Chick and Dan Temm bring cover to the back row.
Academy Winger Dan Marshall moves to the bench after a stellar pre-season for the club and is joined amongst the replacement backs by trialist Jason Tali.
Brett Connon also continues on the Falcons’ bench, joined by fellow Academy players Ed Coulson and Ruaridh Dawson.
Falcons vs Sale Sharks
- Simon Hammersley, 14. Tom Penny, 13. Chris Harris, 12. Adam Powell, 11. Marcus Watson, 10. Mike Delany, 9. Ruki Tipuna;
- Rob Vickers, 2. Scott Lawson, 3. Alex Rogers, 4. Mouritz Botha, 5. Calum Green, 6. Richard Mayhew, 7. Will Welch (c), 8. Todd Clever.
Replacements: George McGuigan, Ben Harris, Andy Foster, Scott MacLeod, Sean Robinson, Callum Chick, Dan Temm, Ruaridh Dawson, Dan Marshall, Jason Tali, Ed Coulson, Brett Connon