Newcastle Falcons have made four changes to their starting line-up for this Friday’s Aviva Premiership match against Bath Rugby at Kingston Park (KO 19:45).
They are equally split between the front and the backs as the team aims to put on a show and continue the good form they have enjoyed in Friday night fixtures this season.
The changes in the back division see Simon Hammersley take over the fullback role from Alex Tait while Rory Clegg comes in for Tom Catterick at fly half.
Hammersley’s first start since the 23 all draw against Wasps in the clubs previous Friday night fixture, will see the 21 year old make his 20th appearance in what has been an impressive campaign while Clegg has earned his first start since December against Stade Francais.
In the forwards Calum Green returns to the starting line up in place of Dom Barrow, while Chris York comes into the side for Will Welch.
With York taking up station at Number 8, his inclusion sees a further positional switch in the pack, with Mark Wilson moving across to the openside flank.
On the bench, a wealth of international experience lies ready to contribute to the team’s performance, with USA prop Eric Fry, Argentina prop Juan Pablo Orlandi and Italian lock Josh Furno joining George McGuigan and Sean Robinson as the replacement forwards.
The high calibre options continue in the backs with Tongan scrum half Sonatane Takulua and Argentina centre Gonzalo Tiesi joining Tom Catterick as backline replacements.
Newcastle Falcons vs Bath
- S. Hammersley, 14. C.Harris, 13. A.Powell (c), 12. JP.Socino, 11. S.Sinoti, 10. R.Clegg, 9. R.Tipuna; Team cont’d: 1. R.Vickers, 2. S.Lawson, 3. K.Brookes, 4. C.Green, 5. K.Thompson, 6. R.Mayhew, 7. M.Wilson, 8. C.York;
Replacements: 16. G.MGuigan, 17. E.Fry, 18. JP.Orlandi, 19. J.Furno, 20. S.Robinson, 21. S.Takulua, 22. T.Catterick, 23. G.Tiesi