Newcastle v Leeds: Teams
Newcastle coach Alan Tait has made five changes to his line-up for the must-win Premiership clash with Leeds.
By Tony Curtis - Twitter: @SkySportsTC
Last Updated: 08/04/11 4:28pm
Newcastle coach Alan Tait has made five changes to his line-up for the must-win Premiership clash with Leeds.
New Zealander Jeremy Manning returns at full-back after a month out, with Alex Tait moving to the wing to accommodate his comeback.
Top try scorer Luke Fielden also starts in the back division, with Jonny Golding and Andrew Van der Heijden coming into the pack.
And Tait is hoping the improvement in the weather will suit his side's game- plan against their relegation rivals.
"I really want us to open up and play a fast, attacking game," said Tait.
"That style of play can be difficult on wetter pitches, but the conditions on Saturday should be perfect. The improved weather will suit us, and we certainly train that way in terms of getting the ball through the hands and looking to attack."
Leeds coach Neil Back insists his side will head to Kingston Park full of confidence after a recent improvement in performances.
Leeds lost 22-5 to Falcons in the reverse fixture, but a victory over Exeter has given Back's side renewed hope of avoiding the drop.
"We go into Saturday's game on the back of four consistent performances," said Back.
"The guys are enjoying their rugby having scored eight tries in those games and only conceded four. We are in a good place going into this game, the result of which is non-negotiable and we must win.
"Winning against Exeter has definitely put a spring in the step of the squad this week. The spirit has been good all season, throughout the highs and lows that we have experienced, but we know it is still all to do.
"We have won three games out of 18 and we need to win two of our last four games as a minimum which shows the size of the job still in front of us."
Leeds have named the same 23 from their victory over Exeter for the trip to the Falcons - that means captain Marco Wentzel has recovered to lead the side.
Newcastle: 15 Jeremy Manning, 14 Luke Fielden, 13 Luke Eves, 12 Tane Tu'ipulotu, 11 Alex Tait, 10 Jimmy Gopperth (capt), 9 Micky Young, 1 Jonny Golding, 2 Matt Thompson, 3 Euan Murray, 4 Tim Swinson, 5 Andrew Van Der Heijden, 6 Mark Wilson, 7 Will Welch, 8 Ally Hogg
Replacements: 16 Rob Vickers, 17 Grant Shiells, 18 Kieran Brookes, 19 Filipo Levi, 20 Alex Gray, 21 Chris Pilgrim, 22 Gcobani Bobo, 23 Rob Vickerman
Leeds: 15 Michael Stephenson, 14 Lee Blacket, 13 Henry Faafili, 12 Luther Burrell, 11 Peter Wackett, 10 Adrian Jarvis, 9 Scott Mathie, 1 Mike MacDonald, 2 Steve Thompson, 3 Phil Swainston, 4 Dan Browne, 5 Marco Wentzel, 6 Kearnan Myall, 7 Hendre Fourie, 8 Alfie Tooala
Replacements: 16 Phil Nilsen, 17 Gareth Hardy, 18 Juan Gomez, 19 Danny Paul, 20 Rhys Oakley, 21 Dan White, 22 Christian Lewis Pratt, 23 Semi Tadulala