Bath v Newcastle - Teams
Michael Lipman returns to captain Bath as they host in-form Newcastle who are looking for a seventh straight league win.
Last Updated: 20/03/09 1:03pm
Michael Lipman returns to captain Bath as they host in-form Newcastle who are looking for a seventh straight league win.
The flanker has been sidelined for eight weeks with severe concussion he suffered in a Heineken Cup clash with Toulouse.
However, he has now been given the all clear to return to action and head coach Steve Meehan is delighted to have his skipper back.
"His infectious behaviour is back with us," Meehan stated. "The guys have been playing very well in his absence, but you are always going to miss your captain.
"Defensively, he is a very strong player and he is a good leader. He leads by example and you feel it in the dressing room."
Bath will be looking to bounce back from last weekend's last-gasp defeat at Saracens and is hopeful of ending Newcastle's excellent recent run of form.
"There is an old saying in sport, the longer you win, the closer you are to a loss," he continued.
"They have had a run of good results, there is no denying that, but we looked at their performance against Harlequins last weekend and we think that there are some opportunities for us, providing we can execute well and hang onto the ball.
"They are coming to The Rec this weekend and we are proud of our performance at home, so we will want to make sure we concentrate, apply ourselves and deliver the performance that we are capable of. If we do that then we will win the game."
Whilst Lipman returns to the fold, Michael Claassens misses another week due to a hamstring injury sustained during training.
One change for Newcastle
In-form Newcastle have made just one change for Saturday's trip to face Bath at the Recreation Ground.
Geoff Parling replaces Mark Sorenson in the second row in the only alteration to the starting line-up that beat Harlequins 24-16 last weekend.
Former Bath centre Spencer Davey is included on the bench against his former club, with Rob Miller away on England U20s duty.
The Falcons head to the West Country in search of a seventh straight Guinness Premiership victory, although director of rugby Steve Bates is expecting a tough encounter.
"We go in to Saturday's game with a lot of confidence after our recent run, but we know a stiff challenge lies in wait with Bath having played some fantastic rugby at home this season," said Bates.
"We have kept a consistency in our selection, which has been a contributary factor in our recent success, and everyone is looking forward to what should be a good test down at The Rec."
Bath team news to follow...
Newcastle:15 Alex Tait, 14 Tim Visser, 13 Jamie Noon, 12 Tane Tu'ipulotu, 11 Andrew Fenby, 10 Tom May, 9 Micky Young, 8 Adam Balding, 7 Brent Wilson, 6 Phil Dowson (captain), 5 Geoff Parling, 4 Tim Swinson, 3 Carl Hayman, 2 Rob Vickers, 1 Jon Golding
Replacements:16 Matt Thompson, 17 Micky Ward, 18 Mark Sorenson, 19 Russell Winter, 20 Hall Charlton, 21 Spencer Davey, 22 Steve Jones
Bath: 15 Nick Abendanon 14 Joe Maddock 13 Alex Crockett 12 Shaun Berne 11 Matt Banahan 10 Butch James 9 Scott Bemand 8 Daniel Browne, 7 Michael Lipman (c) , 6 Andy Beattie , 5 Stuart Hooper , 4 Justin Harrison , 3 Duncan Bell , 2 Rob Hawkins , 1 David Flatman
Replacements: 16 Mark Lilley, 17 Aaron Jarvis, 18 Jonny Faamatuainu, 19 James Scaysbrook, 20 Mike Baxter, 21 Tom Cheeseman, 22 Michael Stephenson