Newcastle v Irish: Teams
London Irish welcome back England duo Steffon Armitage and Paul Hodgson for their Guinness Premiership clash with Newcastle.
Last Updated: 19/02/10 2:08pm
London Irish welcome back England duo Steffon Armitage and Paul Hodgson for their Guinness Premiership clash with Newcastle at Kingston Park.
Romanian prop Paulica Ion is also back from international duty and takes his place in the Exiles front row.
"Having Steffon, Paul and Paulica back has given the team a real boost," stated Exiles head coach Toby Booth.
"You're always guaranteed a tough match at Kingston Park. The Falcons haven't been without their issues and doubtless will be looking to gain confidence and momentum in the Guinness Premiership."
Meanwhile, England international winger Topsy Ojo will make his 100th appearance for the club at Kingston Park on Saturday having been selected on the wing.
Two changes for Falcons
For their part, Newcastle have made two changes to the side that lost 25-13 at Northampton last time out.
They both come in the back row of the pack, with Peter Browne replacing Filipo Levi and Will Welch stepping for Josh Afu.
Samoan international number eight Levi is laid low with a calf injury, while Welch has been given the nod over Afu and takes over in the number seven shirt.
Falcons director of rugby Steve Bates is expecting to see a reaction from his players following the loss at Franklin's Gardens, declaring: "We're all aware that Saturday's game against London Irish is a big one.
"We're determined to get back out there and show what we can do, we believe we can be a top six side this season but we need to back that up with results."
Newcastle: 15 Alex Tait,14 Danny Williams, 13 Gcobani Bobo, 12 Tane Tu'ipulotu, 11 Charlie Amesbury, 10 Jimmy Gopperth, 9 Micky Young; 1 Jon Golding, 2 Rob Vickers, 3 Carl Hayman (captain), 4 James Hudson, 5 Tim Swinson, 6 Brent Wilson, 7 Will Welch, 8 Peter Browne
Replacements: 16 Alex Walker, 17 Kieran Brookes, 18 Grant Shiells, 19 Mark Sorenson, 20 Josh Afu, 21 Hall Charlton, 22 Rob Miller, 23 Rob Vickerman
London Irish: 15. Tom Homer; 14. Topsy Ojo; 13. Elvis Seveali'i; 12. Seilala Mapusua; 11. Peter Hewat; 10. Chris Malone; 9. Paul Hodgson; 1. Clarke Dermody; 2. David Paice, 3. Paulica Ion 4. Kieran Roche; 5. Bob Casey (captain); 6. Richard Thorpe; 7. Steffon Armitage; 8. George Stowers
Replacements: 16. James Buckland; 17. Dan Murphy; 18. Faan Rautenbach; 19. Andy Perry; 20. Jamie Gibson; 21. John Rudd; 22. Ryan Lamb; 23. Mike Catt