tournaments
Preview: Worcester v Newcastle
Geoff Parling: Back for the Falcons
Newcastle Falcons welcome back forward trio David Wilson, Geoff Parling and Matt Thompson to their side for Friday's Guinness Premiership trip to Worcester Warriors.
Injuries to back row pair Ed Williamson (shoulder) and Russell Winter (hamstring) mean a reshuffle as Parling slots in to the second row and Tim Swinson moves back to blindside flanker, while Thompson assumes hooking duties from Andy Long and England Saxon Wilson takes over at tighthead prop.
With injuries currently ravaging the Newcastle squad, director of rugby Steve Bates goes with the same back line which started in last Sunday's encounter with London Irish, as Junior All Black centre Tane Tu'ipulotu lines up for his second outing in Newcastle colours.
"Certainly Monday was a pretty soul-searching sort of day," said Bates, reflecting on last week's 24-8 reverse at home to London Irish.
"Players, coaches and everyone involved know that we didn't do out on the pitch some of the things we had talked about in the week, and there wasn't enough rugby nous to make the necessary changes during the game.
"We are always very critical of our own performance, last weekend was no exception but the boys have bounced back very well this week ahead of what is always a tough trip to Worcester."
Previewing the Friday clash, he added: "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."
Worcester Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock is forced into a change at scrum-half with Matt Powell replacing namesake Ryan, who is out with a knee injury.
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.
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.
Date: Friday November 21
Venue: Sixways
Kick-off: 20.00 GMT
Referee: Martin Fox
Touch judges: Brian Robertson, Kevin Stewart
Assessor: Brian Campsall
Television match official: Clive Leeke
