Falcons reshuffle for Wasps clash
Tue, 06 May 2008 11:55
Newcastle Falcons have named no less than eight changes to their team for Wednesday's Guinness Premiership clash against London Wasps at Kingston Park.
Acting Director of Rugby Steve Bates has made the eight personnel changes and a number of positional switches from the side which defeated champions Leicester Tigers on Sunday, as the Falcons cope with the demands of playing their second game in the space of just four days.
In the front row, Micky Ward and Matt Thompson replace Jon Golding and Andy Long respectively, with fit-again Mark Sorenson returning to the second row while Russell Winter and Brent Wilson join skipper Phil Dowson in a new-look back row, according to a Falcons media release.
Hall Charlton comes in at scrumhalf for James Grindal, while Ollie Phillips forms part of a reshuffled backline which sees Sale-bound Mathew Tait at outside centre, Tom May dropping to fullback and Steve Jones in at
flyhalf.
On the bench there is a first team debut for England Students No.8 Peter Browne, with England Under-20 flyhalf Rob Miller also in reserve.
Newcastle Falcons: 15 Tom May, 14 Ollie Phillips, 13 Mathew Tait, 12 Tim Visser, 11 John Rudd, 10 Steve Jones, 9 Hall Charlton, 8 Russell Winter, 7 Brent Wilson, 6 Phil Dowson (captain), 5 Mark Sorenson, 4 Andy Perry, 3 Carl Hayman, 2 Matt Thompson, 1 Micky Ward.
Replacements: 16 Rob Vickers, 17 David Wilson, 18 Geoff Parling, 19 Ed Williamson, 20 Peter Browne, 21 Micky Young, 22 Rob Miller.
Date: Wednesday, May 7
Venue: Kingston Park
Kick-off: 20.00 (19.00 GMT)
Referee: TBC
