Falcons bring out the heavy artillery
Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:01
Newcastle Falcons welcomes back its big guns for Friday's European Challenge Cup semifinal against Worcester Warriors at Sixways on Friday.
Centres Jamie Noon and Toby Flood both return from recent ankle injuries, while flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson is back following concussion.
England Saxons flankBen Woods returns from hand trouble.
Blindside flank Andy Buist has shaken off a knee injury to take his place in the pack, while All Black prop Carl Hayman, club captain Phil Dowson and England fullback Mathew Tait are among the many returning to the side.
"The boys are fresh and in reasonable shape, they have trained well all week and there is a very positive focus within the group," said Acting Director of Rugby Steve Bates.
"This is a very important game in terms of reaching a European Final, and this is a competition in which we have done well this season.
"We have had some good
performances in this tournament, especially Brive away, and if we get to the Final that would be a fantastic occasion for our supporters," added Bates.
With the European Challenge Cup being the Falcons' remaining chance of silverware this season, Bates said it was crucial that they get something out of the season.
"We would have to win the tournament, not just reach the Final, to say that this is a significant enough step in terms of fulfilling our potential," he said.
"Getting to the Final would definitely be positive progress, but only if we win the whole thing could we say we have had a reasonable season, given how the league campaign has gone.
"As well as the obvious aim of winning a trophy, the main goal is Heineken Cup rugby for next season and all the benefits that brings to the club and the fans.
"It gives us a great chance to finish the season on a high, and while we understand this will be a tough
fixture away from home, the application and focus of the squad this week has been excellent," he added.
Newcastle Falcons: 15 Mathew Tait, 14 Tom May, 13 Jamie Noon, 12 Toby Flood, 11 John Rudd, 10 Jonny Wilkinson, 9 James Grindal, 8 Phil Dowson (captain), 7 Ben Woods, 6 Andy Buist, 5 Mark Sorenson, 4 Andy Perry, 3 Carl Hayman, 2 Matt Thompson, 1 Micky Ward.
Replacements: 16 Andy Long, 17 Jon Golding, 18 Geoff Parling, 19 Russell Winter, 20 Brent Wilson, 21 Lee Dickson, 22 Tim Visser.
Date: Friday, April 25
Venue: Sixways Stadium, Worcester
Kick-off: 20.00 (19.00 GMT)
Referee: Peter Allan (Scotland)
