Farrell returns for Sarries

Published: Thursday, 19. April, 2012 in category Saracens
Farrell: Returns for Saracens at Newcastle

The penultimate league match of regular season is crucial for both sides, with Saracens still looking to claim a home semi-final while the Falcons are battling to stay in the Premiership.

The 20-year-old Farrell, who was ruled out last week's 28-19 over London Irish with a dead leg, is joined by James Short in the only changes to the side.

Charlie Hodgson and Michael Tagicakibau both move to the replacement's bench.

Meanwhile, Newcastle Falcons chief Gary Gold has named an unchanged side for the Aviva Premiership showdown at Kingston Park.

Gold, who has guided his resurgent Falcons outfit to back-to-back victories over Sale Sharks and Gloucester, is expecting a stern test from the Londoners.

"In the last few weeks we have been in a situation where every game has been a cup final and this week will be no different," said Gold.

"Saracens will be right up for it as they are playing for a home semi-final and we are playing for Premiership survival.

"The type of style of rugby that they play is incredibly difficult to play against and each player knows exactly what they are doing.

"It has been a tough week in training as we have the Premiership champions coming to town on Friday night. They are very well-drilled and you do not reach two Premiership finals in a row by accident.

"They are incredibly well coached with a good bunch of guys down there - I would go as far as saying that this is our toughest challenge of the season to date, there is no question about that."

The teams:

Newcastle: 15 Greg Goosen, 14 Corne Uys, 13 Jamie Helleur, 12 James Fitzpatrick, 11 Ryan Shortland, 10 Jimmy Gopperth, 9 Peter Stringer,8 Adam Balding, 7 Will Welch, 6 Ally Hogg, 5 Tim Swinson, 4 James Hudson, 3 Euan Murray, 2 Rob Vickers, 1 Jonny Golding.

Replacements: 16 Matt Thompson, 17 Grant Shiells, 18 James Hall, 19 James Goode, 20 Taiasina Tu'ifua, 21 Mark Wilson, 22 Chris Pilgrim, 23 Tom Catterick.

Saracens: 15 Alex Goode, 14 David Strettle, 13 Chris Wyles, 12 Brad Barritt, 11 James Short, 10 Owen Farrell, 9 Neil de Kock, 8 Ernst Joubert, 7 Will Fraser, 6 Jackson Wray, 5 George Kruis, 4 Steve Borthwick (c), 3 Matt Stevens, 2 Schalk Brits, 1 Rhys Gill.

Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Mako Vunipola, 18 Carlos Nieto, 19 Mouritz Botha, 20 Justin Melck, 21 Richard Wigglesworth, 22 Charlie Hodgson, 23 Michael Tagicakibau.