Newcastle v Wasps: Teams

Newcastle skipper Carl Hayman will run out for the last time at Kingston Park for the Guinness Premiership clash with Wasps.

The All Blacks prop is set to move across the Channel at the end of the season to join big-spendign Toulon - where he will join fellow former Falcons Tom May and Jonny Wilkinson.

The match will also mark Alan Tait's first game in charge after the former Lions and Scotland centre replaced Steve Bates in charge.

Tait has made just the three changes to the line up, with Hayman, Micky Ward and Rob Vickerman coming into the starting XV.

Hayman replaces Brookes, Ward comes in for Grant Shiels at hooker and Vickerman gets the nod ahead of Charlie Amesbury.

And although Tait admits there is little in terms league positions to play off, he has insisted that it is vital the side starting their rebuilding for next season now.

Tait said: "Thankfully there's nothing riding on it in terms of the relegation scenario after our win down at Sale, but there's still plenty to play for in terms of our home supporters and really setting a benchmark for next season.

"Wasps are still in with a shout of the play-offs if they win and other results go their way, so they will definitely be pumped up for it. We've already beaten them once this season, the lads will want to prove that it was no fluke and I'm expecting a massive effort from them on Saturday to end the season on a strong note."

Important

Tony Hanks has made five changes as Wasps look to gatecrash the play-offs.

Wasps need to beat the Falcons and hope Leeds topple Bath if they are to clinch the final spot in the play-offs.

Hanks said, "This game is hugely important for the team. All eyes are on the top four, as are ours, and whilst other results will determine that fourth spot, our focus is very much on our performance and the result. We have a lot of respect for Newcastle and a lot to prove in this game after they took the win at Adams Park earlier in the year.

"The league has shown itself to be more competitive than ever and there have been a number of teams that have been in that 'box seat' for the last semi final place over the last few weeks.

"We know more than anyone else that Leeds are a side that should not be underestimated so there is still a lot to play for and our focus is the win at Newcastle."

Hanks has recalled Danny Cipriani and Tom Varndell to the backline for the trip, while Dan Ward-Smith moves into the second row and Serge Betsen and John Hart come into the back-row.

Scrum-half James Honeyben and Dan Leo are both named on the bench, however Steve Kefu is unavailable following the birth of his daughter this week.

Newcastle: 15 Alex Tait, 14 Danny Williams, 13 Rob Vickerman, 12 Tane Tu'ipulotu, 11 Gcobani Bobo, 10 Jimmy Gopperth, 9 Micky Young, 8 Josh Afu, 7 Brent Wilson, 6 Filipo Levi, 5 Tim Swinson, 4 James Hudson, 3 Carl Hayman (c), 2 Rob Vickers, 1 Micky Ward.
Replacements:16 Matt Thompson, 17 Kieran Brookes, 18 Grant Shiells, 19 Mark Sorenson, 20 Will Welch, 21 Hall Charlton, 22 Tom Catterick, 23 Spencer Davey.

Wasps: 15 Danny Cipriani, 14 Paul Sackey, 13 Ben Jacobs, 12 Dom Waldouck, 11 Tom Varndell, 10 Dave Walder, 9 Joe Simpson, 1 Tim Payne, 2 Rob Webber, 3 Phil Vickery, 4 Dan Ward-Smith, 5 George Skivington, 6 Serge Betsen, 7 Tom Rees (C), 8 John Hart.
Replacements: 16 Tom Lindsay, 17 Zak Taulafo, 18 Ben Broster, 19 Dan Leo, 20 Will Matthews, 21 James Honeyben, 22 David Lemi, 23 Mark Van Gisbergen