Newcastle v Saints Sat 3pm

[fivepointer]

Newcastle: Brown; Penny, Orlando, Burrell, Carreras; Hodgson, Schreuder; Cooper, McGuigan, Davison, Peterson, Robinson, Van der Walt, Welch (c), Chick.

Replacements: Blamire, Brocklebank, Tampin, Fearns, Graham, Stuart, Connon, Wacokecoke.

Northampton: Furbank; Skosan, Dingwall, Hutchinson, Collins; Biggar, Mitchell; Waller, Matavesi, Hill, Ribbans, Ratuniyarawa, Wood, Ludlam (c), Harrison.

Replacements: Fish, Iyogun, Painter, Coles, Wilkins, James, Litchfield, Freeman.

[Adam_P]

Hopefully saints can muster up a win this weekend. Good to see a couple of old Saints in the Falcons team too. When he left I was quite glad that Burrell was off as his handling had become a liability, but I think one thing this Saints team could really do with at the moment is a hard carrying centre. We really lack any hard carrying in the backs, other than the long absent Naiyaravoro. I would break the bank for Esterhuizen.

Was reading this morning that Dean Richards has highlighted how the Saints backrow are the most penalised in the Prem this season and Falcons will be targeting that area - so will be interesting to see how the breakdown plays out. I do like the aggressive approach to the breakdown, with Ludlam leading the Prem stats on breakdown steals, but we clearly need to work on getting on the right side of the officials in that area.

[Adam_P]

Dingwall is putting in some shots this match. Tackles like a beast, especially considering his size

[Adam_P]

So much so he doesn't make it out for the 2nd half. At least Litchfield gets a good run out

[FKAS]

Sheesh that's another hammering for Falcons. Wonder how much credit Deano has left in the bank.

[Mellsblue]

So much so he doesn't make it out for the 2nd half. At least Litchfield gets a good run out

How did Litchfield go?

[Adam_P]

Pretty well - was involved in a lovely breakaway try

[Adam_P]

[fivepointer]

Lovely try. Lavish rugby indeed! They do this and there's every chance next week they'll be dreadful.

[Adam_P]

Indeed - or, most likely, show flashes of good rugby in 10 to 20 minute bursts in between ill disciplined, low intensity rubbish! It's the hope that kills you

[Banquo]

So much so he doesn't make it out for the 2nd half. At least Litchfield gets a good run out

He was meant to be rested for this game, but Francis injury put paid to that.

[Danno]

That should be chalked off until Furbank gets back to looking like a circa 1940 Spitfire pilot

[Mellsblue]

Made in Bedford