Forward boost for flailing Falcons
Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:18
Newcastle Falcons welcome back forward trio David Wilson, Geoff Parling and Matt Thompson to their side for Friday's Guinness Premiership trip to Worcester Warriors.
Injuries to back row pair Ed Williamson (shoulder) and Russell Winter (hamstring) mean a reshuffle as Parling slots in to the second row and Tim Swinson moves back to blindside flank, while Thompson assumes hooking duties from Andy Long and England Saxon Wilson takes over at tighthead prop.
With injuries currently ravaging the Newcastle squad, director of rugby Steve Bates goes with the same backline which started in last Sunday's encounter with London Irish, as Junior All Black centre Tane Tu'ipulotu lines up for his second outing in Newcastle colours.
Having lost 8-24 in their last Guinness Premiership encounter at home to London Irish on Sunday, Bates said: "Certainly Monday was a pretty soul-searching sort of day.
"Players, coaches and everyone involved know that we didn't do out on the pitch some of the things we had talked about in the week, and there wasn't enough rugby nous to make the necessary changes during the game.
"We are always very critical of our own performance, last weekend was no exception but the boys have bounced back very well this week ahead of what is always a tough trip to Worcester."
Previewing the Friday clash, he added: "Worcester are a good side who have spent a lot of money and acquired some big international stars, we know that Sixways is a difficult place to go but we're looking forward to the challenge.
"We've made a few changes to our side, guys have a chance to prove themselves again and we're just starting to welcome back a couple of our long term injured players like Davey Wilson, Geoff Parling and Pete Browne.
"Having that real specialist tighthead like Davey will really be a boost, although Micky Ward did have an excellent game against Gloucester a fortnight ago it has to be said. Geoff Parling returning at lock gives our line-out more options and also with his running in the loose, and then at hooker we have Matt Thompson back in with Andy Long carrying a bit of a knock to the shoulder.
"This week has been a short one in terms of workload after playing Sunday, resting Monday and then travelling Thursday, but despite only having two real training days the approach from everyone has been really professional and focused.
"We're going to Worcester with the mindset that we will attack every aspect of the game and win the match. Now we know that is not going to be easy against them with a big home crowd down there and a bit of confidence after their win at Sale last weekend, but we're not just going there to make up the numbers."
The following players were not considered due to injury: Joe Shaw (knee), Andy Long (shoulder), Joe McDonnell (neck), Andy Buist, Jonny Wilkinson (knee), Alex Tait (ankle), Carl Hayman (knee), Ed Williamson (shoulder), Russell Winter (hamstring), Adam Balding (knee), Rob Miller (ankle), Ross Beattie (ankle).
Newcastle Falcons: 15 Steve Jones, 14 Danny Williams, 13 Tom May, 12 Tane Tu'ipulotu, 11 John Rudd, 10 Rory Clegg, 9 Hall Charlton, 8 Phil Dowson (captain), 7 Brent Wilson, 6 Tim Swinson, 5 Mark Sorenson, 4 Geoff Parling, 3 David Wilson, 2 Matt Thompson, 1 Jon Golding.
Replacements: 16 Rob Vickers, 17 Micky Ward, 18 Andy Perry, 19 Peter Browne, 20 James Grindal, 21 Tom Dillon, 22 Tim Visser.
Date: Friday, November 21
Venue: Sixways Stadium
Kick-off: 20.00 (20.00 GMT)
Referee: Martin Fox
Touch judges: Brian Robertson, Kevin Stewart
