Falcons call on Gopperth's golden boot
Thu, 09 Sep 2010 15:10
Dead-eye Jim: Falcons kicking ace Jimmy Gopperth
Newcastle Falcons welcome back Golden Boot winner Jimmy Gopperth for Friday's Aviva Premiership match against London Wasps at Kingston Park.
Last season's Premiership top points-scorer returns in one of four changes for the Falcons, who also welcome back England Saxons scrumhalf Micky Young to their starting line-up.
New signings Redford Pennycook and Luke Fielden are both handed their first Premiership starts, as Will Welch and Alex Tait respectively make way.
Scottish internationals Ally Hogg and Andy Henderson make their first home league outings for the Falcons since joining over the summer, with Luke Eves and Tim Ryan also making their home bows.
Explaining his selection, head coach Alan Tait said: "We've got competition for places throughout the side now, and guys battling for positions.
"The halfbacks especially are an area where we have plenty of options. At scrumhalf Chris Pilgrim has worked incredibly hard all summer, and deserved his start at Sale last weekend.
"Micky Young was disappointed about being left out, he made that known to me but rather than whinge about it he just got out there in the second half and made an impact on the game when he came on. His attitude was spot on, and that's all you can ask.
"When guys aren't selected I wouldn't expect them to be happy about it, but what I do expect is that they channel it in the right way and support the lads who have been named in the starting XV, as Micky did.
"Chris and Micky are both good options for us, and then I thought Hall Charlton had a superb game on Monday for the Development side which was another boost."
Having also changed his flyhalf, Tait said: "Jeremy Manning has come in and looks a class act, but he picked up a tight hamstring at Sale and we decided as a precaution to take him off at half time.
"Jimmy Gopperth came on, had a decent impact and again it boils down to competition for places. It's the same at fullback with Luke Fielden and at openside with Red Pennycook.
"There are quality options here battling for shirts, and it's a big opportunity for us against Wasps."
Newcastle Falcons: 15 Luke Fielden, 14 Gcobani Bobo, 13 Luke Eves, 12 Andy Henderson, 11 Charlie Amesbury, 10 Jimmy Gopperth, 9 Micky Young, 8 Ally Hogg, 7 Redford Pennycook, 6 Brent Wilson, 5 Tim Swinson, 4 James Hudson (captain), 3 Tim Ryan, 2 Rob Vickers, 1 Jon Golding.
Replacements: 16 Kieran Brookes, 17 Micky Ward, 18 Grant Shiells, 19 Glen Townson, 20 Will Welch, 21 Chris Pilgram, 22 Jeremy Manning, 23 Alex Tait.
Date: Friday, September 10
Venue: Kingston Park
Kick-off: 20.00 (19.00 GMT)
Referee: JP Doyle
Assistant referees: Don Helme, Martin Buck
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