Newcastle v Exeter: Teams

Newcastle coach Alan Tait is expecting a physical encounter when they take on Exeter in the LV= Cup on Sunday.

Tait has made five changes for the clash, with Andrew Van der Heijden, James Hall, Jeremy Manning and James Fitzpatrick coming into the side and Alex Tait switching to the wing.

And Tait knows it is vital for his side to front up to the Chiefs pack.

Tait said: "Exeter are a big physical side and they set their stall out from the start keeping their big pack together. You look at their pack and you can see they are very well organised.

"When they get in to a rhythm you've got to stop them early and you've got to put the big men on the deck. With this group of players now we won't go far off form and they know they've got the jersey and it's up to them to keep hold of it."

Privilege

Powerhouse winger Nemani Nadolo goes straight into the Exeter line-up after arriving from Bourgoin.

The Fijian, who weighs in at 21st, has signed an 18-month deal - and he is one of six changes made by coach Rob Baxter.

Paul McKenzie, Junior Poluleuligaga, Brett Sturgess, Chris Whitehead and Chris Budgen also come into the side.

But the 23-year-old Nadolo is relishing the chance to impress his new team-mates.

"To get a start is a privilege, it's not every day you come into a new side and get to start a match," he said.

"Thanks to Rob and the coaching staff , I've been given a chance to show what I've got and hopefully I can put in a good performance.

"It's not so much to go out there and try to have a blinder, it's more about trying to test the field with the side and try to play as a team. I'm here to play Premiership rugby and push for selection. They've rested some key wingers so this is my opportunity. If I want a chance to get into the 23, I've got to put in a solid performance."

Newcastle: 15 Jeremy Manning, 14 Luke Fielden, 13 Tane Tu'ipulotu, 12 James Fitzpatrick, 11 Alex Tait, 10 Jimmy Gopperth, 9 Micky Young, 8 Ally Hogg, 7 Will Welch, 6 Tim Swinson, 5 Andrew Van der Heijden, 4 James Hudson, 3 James Hall, 2 Matt Thompson, 1 Jon Golding.
Replacements: 16 Rob Vickers, 17 Kieran Brookes, 18 Grant Shiells, 19 Glen Townson, 20 Mark Wilson, 21 Hall Charlton, 22 Luke Eves, 23 Gcobani Bobo.

Exeter: 15 Paul McKenzie, 14 Nemani Nadolo, 13 Nic Sestaret, 12 Bryan Rennie, 11 Andrew Higgins, 10 Gareth Steenson (capt), 9 Junior Poluleuligaga, 8 James Phillips, 7 Andy Miller, 6 Dave Ewers, 5 Dave Gannon, 4 Chad Slade, 3 Chris Budgen, 2 Chris Whitehead, 1 Brett Sturgess.
Replacements: 16 Jon Vickers, 17 Ruaidhri Murphy, 18 Ignacio Elosu, 19 Eoghan Grace, 20 Herbie Stupple, 21 Garrick Cowley, 22 Ignacio Mieres, 23 Josh Matavesi.