Newcastle v Wasps: Teams

Newcastle have been buoyed by news that Steve Jones will be fit to face London Wasps in Friday's Guinness Premiership clash.

Jones hobbled out of the match against Worcester with a knee injury, however he has recovered in time to wear the No.15 jersey.

That means Falcons chief Steve Bates only makes two changes from the side that lost 26-11 to the Warriors.

Flanker Ed Williamson replaces Tim Swinson on the blindside after recovering from shoulder trouble, while James Grindal will start at scrum-half.

Wasps welcome back international duo Eoin Reddan and Simon Shaw to their match-day 22 to travel to Newcastle.

Shaw was part of the England side that suffered a record defeat to South Africa at Twickenham, while scrum-half Reddan has been away with the Ireland squad.

Bench

Reddan comes straight back into the starting XV in place of Mark Robinson, while Shaw has to settle for a place on the bench.

Talented academy scrum-half Joe Simpson is also named among the replacements, as is fellow youngster Charlie Beech.

Injury to captain Raphael Ibanez means Rob Webber will take over the hooking duties.

Wasps director of rugby Ian McGeechan said, "We are pleased to have some of our experience back in Eoin Reddan and Simon Shaw for what will be a major challenge in Newcastle on Friday.

"We will be looking to build on the much improved performance that was seen at Adams Park on Sunday against Sale and morale remains high amongst the squad as we look to the next challenge."

Newcastle Falcons: 15 Steve Jones, 14 Danny Williams, 13 Tom May, 12 Tane Tu'ipulotu, 11 John Rudd, 10 Rory Clegg, 9 James Grindal, 8 Phil Dowson (c), 7 Brent Wilson, 6 Ed Williamson, 5 Mark Sorenson, 4 Geoff Parling, 3 David Wilson, 2 Matt Thompson, 1 Jon Golding.
Replacements: 16 Andy Long, 17 Micky Ward, 18 Andy Perry, 19 Tim Swinson, 20 Tim Visser, 21 Hall Charlton, 22 Spencer Davey.

Wasps: 15 Lachlan Mitchell, 14 Chris Bishay, 13 Josh Lewsey, 12 Mark Van Gisbergen, 11 Tom Voyce, 10 Dave Walder, 9 Eoin Reddan, 1 Tom French, 2 Rob Webber, 3 Pat Barnard, 4 George Skivington, 5.Richard Birkett, 6 Dan Leo, 7 Serge Betsen, 8 Joe Worsley (capt).
Replacements: 16 Damien Varley, 17 Charlie Beech, 18 John Hart, 19 Simon Shaw, 20 Joe Simpson, 21 Hugo Ellis, 22 Jeremy Staunton.