DEAN RICHARDS is looking forward to seeing Alesana Tuilagi in full flow after handing the Samoan winger his first Newcastle Falcons start in Sunday’s home game with reigning Aviva Premiership champions Northampton Saints.

Having only arrived in the North-East in August after encountering visa problems, Tuilagi has been restricted to replacement appearances in the opening two games of the season.

However, with Sinoti Sinoti unavailable after picking up an injury as he scored a try in last weekend’s defeat to London Irish, Tuilagi has been promoted to the starting line-up for one of Falcons’ toughest assignments of the campaign.

“Alex (Alesana) has worked hard in training since joining up with the squad late in the summer and I’m really pleased for him to get a place in Sunday’s starting line-up,” said Richards.

The Samoan is one of four changes to the Falcons side that missed out by two points last weekend, with academy tight-head Scott Wilson, who scored a try as a replacement against Irish, handed his first Premiership start in the front row.

Kieran Brookes comes into the side at loose-head, with Dom Barrow promoted to the second row after making giant strides last season.

“Kieran starts at loose-head, which is a position he’s accustomed to as he can play on both sides of the scrum,” said Richards. “That allows Scott Wilson to get his first start of the season and a deserved first Premiership start at tight-head.

“In the second row, Josh Furno moves to the blindside which gives us his ball-carrying ability down the field, and also that additional height in the line-out. It also means that Dom Barrow comes into the second row after a fantastic season last year and starts for the first time alongside Calum Green.”

With Northampton having suffered a surprise defeat to London Wasps last weekend, Richards is anticipating a backlash at Kingston Park.

“Northampton are undoubtedly a side at the top of their game,” he said. “They had a great season last season, which obviously showed with them winning the Premiership title. We know this will be a challenge, but the boys are looking forward to the game and to testing ourselves against a strong Northampton side.”

Newcastle Falcons: Hammersley, Cato, Powell, Socino, Alesana Tuilagi, Godman, Blair; Brookes, Lawson, S Wilson, Green, Barrow, Furno, Welch, Hogg.

Replacements: Hawkins, Rogers, Tomaszczyk, M Wilson, Mayhew, Fury, Tiesi, Sinoti.