Newcastle Falcons

Newcastle Falcons boss Alan Tait has made six changes for Saturday’s Aviva Premiership clash against Gloucester, at Kingsholm (kick-off 3pm).

Rob Vickerman is handed a start at outside centre after impressing for the Falcons second string during a 40-3 win against Leeds, earlier this week.

Tait rotates the back division with Alex Tait moving to full-back, while Tane Tu’ipulotu is promoted from the bench to win a place on the wing.

The Scotsman also rings the changes in the forward pack, with a new front row in the shape of Grant Shiells, Rob Vickers and Euan Murray.

Local talent Mark Wilson completes the changes at flanker, as Tait looks to freshen things up ahead of a crucial month for the Falcons.

Tait said: “This team is definitely capable of getting points down there. The lads want to go down there and give a good account of themselves, as every team should do in this league.

“It has been a long haul these last few weeks away from home, but this can be an extra buffer for us going into the four home games in April.”

The northeasterners take on a Gloucester outfit wounded from last week’s 53-15 defeat to Harlequins at the Twickenham Stoop.

“They come into the game on the back of a hiding at Harlequins but I’m sure Bryan Redpath is not pleased with that performance,” said Tait.

“We have to concentrate on our own form and with six games to go we will go down to Gloucester and give it our all. I was pleased with the way we played against Saracens on Sunday so hopefully we can do the same this weekend,” he added.

15 Alex Tait
14 Tane T’uipulotu
13 Rob Vickerman
12 Luke Eves
11 Rikki Sheriffe
10 Jimmy Gopperth
9 Micky Young

1 Grant Shiells
2 Rob Vickers
3 Euan Murray
4 James Hudson
5 Tim Swinson
6 Mark Wilson
7 Will Welch
8 Ally Hogg

16 Matt Thompson
17 James Hall
18 Kieran Brookes
19 Glen Townson
20 Alex Gray
21 Chris Pilgrim
22 James Fitzpatrick
23 Tom Catterick