Newcastle name strong line-up for weekend clash

3:44pm Wednesday 8th October 2008

NEWCASTLE Falcons have named a strong-looking side for Saturday's European Challenge Cup opener against Spanish champions Cetransa El Salvador at Kingston Park (kick-off 6.30pm).

All Black props Carl Hayman and Joe McDonnell both pack down for the match, while England centre Jamie Noon is among those returning to the back line.

Winger John Rudd will undergo late fitness checks to confirm his place in the starting XV after being injured in the act of scoring in the home victory over Bristol, while on the other flank there is a starting home debut for England rugby league international Danny Williams.

Director of rugby, Steve Bates, said: "We will be giving El Salvador our full respect this Saturday.

"The team has trained well this week, the focus among the group is excellent and we are looking to put in to practice what we have been working on going in to what is an important week for the club with two games in the space of five days."

The second of those matches comes in France on Thursday with a trip to Brive for the fourth successive year, with Bates stating: "Saturday allows us the chance to put down a marker ahead of the Brive match.

"It will set the tone for our whole assault on this competition, and we are looking forward to seeing this group of players in action."

Tickets for Saturday's game are still available by calling 0871 226 60 60, or from Kingston Park in person.

Newcastle Falcons team to face Cetransa El Salvador: Jones, Williams, Noon, May, Rudd, Clegg, Charlton; McDonnell, Thompson, Hayman, Swinson, Sorenson, Beattie, Williamson, Dowson (captain).

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