Unchanged Falcons face a stern test as Sarries visit
NEWCASTLE Falcons have named an unchanged side for today’s visit of Gallagher Premiership leaders Saracens.
Head coach Dave Walder goes with the same starting XV which defeated previously-unbeaten Bristol Bears 30-15 last Friday, Will Welch captaining the team.
Adam Radwan and George Mcguigan both start after spending three days at England’s training camp during the first half of the week, the Argentina trio of Mateo Carreras, Matias Orlando and Matias Moroni all included having impressed last time out.
Fit-again scrum-half Michael Young takes up a place on the bench after breaking his hand in pre-season action at Leicester Tigers in August, while Jamie Blamire reverts to replacement hooker after his back-row exploits during the early part of the season.
Freddie Lockwood serves as back-row cover having returned from a loan spell at Jersey Reds, Ben Stevenson also added to the bench.
Walder said: “The lads showed great attitude and intensity last Friday in beating Bristol and the challenge now is to do it on a more consistent basis.
“Those kinds of performances have to become the norm rather than the exception but we’ve shown we have it in us and our supporters and players really fed off one another.
“Hopefully we will have a good home crowd in to get behind the lads.
“It is a massive opportunity against a real quality side.”
Like Bristol last week, Saracens arrive in the North East on the top of the Gallagher Premiership table with three wins from three, having put more than 50 points past champions Leicester Tigers last time out.
Walder added: “It is no secret Saracens are a class side and you cannot fail to have been impressed by what they delivered last weekend in beating Leicester.
“They look to be playing more rugby at times rather than going to their usual kick-chase game.
“However, they have both in their armoury and will test us in different ways.
“They have two of my former Newcastle team-mates in their coaching group in Joe Shaw and Ian Peel.
“It will be great to catch up with those guys but first and foremost it is an exciting opportunity to test ourselves against a quality outfit.”