Newcastle boss Steve Bates says he will rotate his squad in preparation for Worcester.
Interim coach focused on European Challenge Cup semi
Newcastle Falcons boss Steve Bates says he will make full use of his squad in preparation for the club's European Challenge Cup semi-final against Worcester.
The interim coach watched on as tries from John Rudd, Carl Hayman, Tom Dillon, James Grindal and Brent Wilson and 15 points from Jonny Wilkinson took Newcaslte past Castres 40-13 in Saturday's quarter-final.
It was the first victory for Newcastle under Bates and the team's best display of the season so far, although the coach still believes there is much work to be done.
"We pretty much dominated in most phases of the game," he said. "Our defence was outstanding, we scrummaged really well and our lineout functioned well.
"We do have a couple injuries and hope to sort them out before the semi and we go to Worcester with a lot of confidence.
"Jamie Noon had a bit of a recurrence of his ankle injury and he fell awkwardly when he nearly scored but we will look after him and make sure he is okay.
"I thought the pack were outstanding and Tom Dillon came on for Noon and showed what he can do. Carl Hayman showed some great touches in the match and he scrummaged so well that we had a great platform
"We will bring some different guys in for next week against London Irish. Some of the guys need a rest and we want to have a look at some other combinations.
"The result means our season is still very much alive but we do have a lot to work on for next season but there is a huge amount to play for and I'm very excited by the potential. It was a step in the right direction but we can be far more clinical."
The Falcons face Sale Sharks as well as the Exiles before the semi-final at Sixways against the Warriors, which will be live on
Sky Sports on the weekend of April 26.
