Falcons v Saints: Teams

Winger Tom Biggs will start for Newcastle Falcons against Northampton Saints as the single change to the hosts' side for their Guinness Premiership showdown at Kingston Park.

The 25-year-old will replace Yorkshireman Danny Williams on the wing, with director of rugby Steve Bates otherwise maintaining the Falcons line-up that won 15-11 on their visit to London Irish last weekend.

"Last weekend was a fantastic result down at London Irish, on the back of a lot of hard work," said Bates.

"A Sunday to Friday turnaround has meant we have had to manage the players' workload during the week, but everyone is keen to get back out there following such a great result in Reading."

The Falcons are in relatively good form in terms of injuries, with flanker Brent Wilson the only absentee, while Filipo Levi remains on international duty for Samoa.

"We're picking from strength, but we know that Northampton will provide a huge challenge on Friday night," added Bates.

"They have quality players right across the field and, like ourselves, have won their last three Guinness Premiership games, so it should be a cracking match for the supporters."

Challenge

Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder has acknowledged his team faces a tough challenge when they travel north for the clash.

The Falcons have won their last three Guinness Premiership matches and they were also the only team to do a premiership double over Saints last season.

Mallinder is aware of the threat the north-east side presents and insists his team will be approaching their opponents with caution.

"Kingston Park is a difficult place to go and win," said Mallinder. "Newcastle have a robust, competitive pack and a sensible approach to their rugby. Their half-backs are disciplined, the two centres are tough and attack-minded, and their back three like to play.

"However we were happy with many aspects of our play against Harlequins last week and have trained well in the last few days."

Hooker Dylan Hartley returns from international duties as captain for Saints, with Brett Sharman being rotated to the bench.

Fellow England players Shane Geraghty and Courtney Lawes also return to the starting XV, with Geraghty replacing Stephen Myler at fly-half and Lawes taking over at lock from Christian Day.

Newcastle: 15 Alex Tait, 14 Charlie Amesbury, 13 Rob Vickerman, 12 Tane Tu'ipulotu, 11 Tom Biggs, 10 Jimmy Gopperth, 9 Micky Young, 1 Jon Golding, 2 Rob Vickers, 3 Carl Hayman (c), 4 James Hudson, 5 Mark Sorenson, 6 Tim Swinson, 7 Will Welch, 8 Adam Balding.

Replacements: 16 Alex Walker, 17 Micky Ward, 18 Laurence Ovens, 19 Josh Afu, 20 Ed Williamson, 21 Hall Charlton, 22 Rob Miller, 23 Gcobani Bobo.

Northampton: 15 Ben Foden, 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Jon Clarke, 12 James Downey, 11 Bruce Reihana, 10 Shane Geraghty, 9 Lee Dickson, 1 Soane Tonga'uiha, 2 Dylan Hartley (c), 3 Santiago Bonorino, 4 Courtney Lawes, 5 Juandre Kruger, 6 Phil Dowson, 7 Neil Best, 8 Roger Wilson.

Replacements: 16 Brett Sharman, 17 Regardt Dreyer, 18 Euan Murray, 19 Christian Day, 20 Scott Gray, 21 Alan Dickens, 22 Stephen Myler, 23 Joe Ansbro.