Worcester v Falcons: Teams

Newcastle director of rugby Steve Bates insists his side will arrive at Sixways determined to attack.

The Falcons came unstuck at the weekend when they slumped to a 24-8 defeat to London Irish - however Bates is determined to see his side bounce back.

He said: "Worcester are a good side who have spent a lot of money and acquired some big international stars, we know that Sixways is a difficult place to go but we're looking forward to the challenge.

"This week has been a short one in terms of work load after playing Sunday, resting Monday and then travelling Thursday, but despite only having two real training days the approach from everyone has been really professional and focused.

"We're going to Worcester with the mindset that we will attack every aspect of the game and win the match.

"Now we know that is not going to be easy against them with a big home crowd down there and a bit of confidence after their win at Sale last weekend, but we're not just going there to make up the numbers."

Forced change

Bates has retained the same backline, however he makes three changes in the pack to the side that lost to the Exiles.

Ed Williamson and Russell Winter both miss the game through injury, so David Wilson and Geoff Parling come in, while Matt Thompson is handed the No.2 jersey.

Worcester Warriors make one change to the starting line-up to face lowly Newcastle Falcons at Sixways.

Director of rugby Mike Ruddock is forced into a change at scrum half with Matt Powell replacing Ryan Powell (knee).

Summer arrival Ben Jones is named on the bench as Warriors, captained by Pat Sanderson who makes his first start at Sixways Stadium this season, hunt a first league victory on home soil this term.

Tongan hooker Aleki Lutui returns to the squad and is named among the replacements after missing the trip to Edgeley Park to be with his wife after she gave birth to a daughter.

Worcester: 15 Chris Latham, 14 Chris Pennell, 13 Dale Rasmussen, 12 Sam Tuitupou, 11 Miles Benjamin, 10 Matthew Jones, 9 Matt Powell, 8 Kai Horstmann, 7 Pat Sanderson (c), 6 Netani Talei, 5 Craig Gillies, 4 Greg Rawlinson , 3 Tevita Taumoepeau, 2 Chris Fortey, 1 Matt Mullan.
Replacements: 16 Chris Horsman, 17 Aleki Lutui, 18 Will Bowley, 19 Matt Cox, 20 Ben Jones, 21 Loki Crichton, 22 Rico Gear.

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