JONNY Wilkinson will be one of four internationals on the bench for Newcastle Falcons at Murrayfield this evening, plus two who have recently trained with England.

While all eyes will be on the England captain as he awaits his return in the Heineken Cup tie against Edinburgh, other replacements are more certain to enter the fray.

Following their recent participation in England squad sessions, prop Micky Ward and scrum half Hall Charlton will definitely get on, along with lock Stuart Grimes against his fellow Scots.

The other internationals on the bench are Semo Sititi and Epi Taione, with the latter giving the Falcons plenty of options as he has played in the back row, at centre and on the wing.

Director of Rugby Rob Andrew said: "We are comfortable with all 22 in the squad and are not prepared to take risks with players because we have good back-up in every position.

"Stuart Grimes could have played if pushed, but his back is still a bit sore and we feel he will be best used from the bench as he had a good effect last week.

"We weren't happy with our performance last week and if we play like that again we will lose. We have to be in a much better frame of mind."

The Falcons trailed 19-13 to Edinburgh at Kingston Park last Sunday before winning 36-24 to make it three wins out of three in the competition.

Another win in today's 5.30 kick-off will put them on the verge of qualification for the quarter-finals, although if they lose at Perpignan on January 8 they will probably need to win the final group game at home to Newport the following weekend.

In the meantime they begin their defence of the Powergen Cup at Saracens next week then have Premiership matches at Leeds on Boxing Day and at home to Sale on January 2 in which to build Wilkinson's match fitness.

He can expect at least 20 minutes' action this evening, although Jamie Noon will continue to act as captain.

Official joint captain Ian Peel is out with neck and hamstring injuries, as he was three weeks ago when Noon was in charge against Northampton.

"I'm pleased to have the chance again," said Noon. "We know if we play to the best of our abilities we are capable of handling whatever teams throw at us and we need to keep up the momentum.

"Having watched the tapes of last week's game we know what they do. We were quite surprised at the way they came down here and took the game to us up front.

"We are not used to teams coming to Kingston Park and dominating us like that, so this week there has been a massive emphasis on looking after the ball. We hope we can play the sort of rugby we did in the second half and score some tries.

"Jonny has trained all week, done a big contact session and it's great for English rugby that he is ready to play again. We will have to let him get back at his own pace."

James Isaacson, who replaces Peel at loose head, began the European campaign by playing at hooker against Newport and has become a very valuable member of the squad after missing last season with a broken leg.

The 24-year-old Durham School product, who made his senior debut in 2001, said: "Being injured was a bit of a wake-up call and I have become a better professional for having gone through that.

"I didn't take a holiday in the summer and was working with Bob Morton and Steve Black on my fitness. We did a lot of power and speed work on the track and I'm feeling the dividends now.

"I don't mind where I play in the front row. Andy Long and Matt Thompson are back as our hookers now but I will still practise throwing-in. It's another string to my bow."

Four members of recent Newcastle Development XVs will feature in the Darlington Mowden Park squad for today's match at home to National Three North leaders Halifax.

Prop Danny Brown will make his first appearance of the season for his home club and will be joined by No 8 Jason Smithson and winger Gareth Kerr, with Eni Gisende on the bench. Steve Jones might also have featured were he not injured.

Paul Evans switches from No 8 to lock with Naude Pretorius dropping to the bench, while Fosita Tanginoa continues at open side with Matt Holmes at No 6.

Tom Lauriston has recovered from his dead leg and will partner Martin Shaw at centre, and James Hamer is again on the right wing.

There are no backs among the replacements, the intention being that Tanginoa or Gisende can help out there if necessary.

Darlington have suffered a blow ahead of their match at Kendal with flanker Martin Howe being ruled out by a shoulder injury. He is replaced by New Zealander Ian Fulwood, while Paul Scott starts at prop in place of Joe Oselton, who will be on the bench. Ben Snook continues at centre while Lee Davies is recovering from concussion.

Blaydon are without winger David Grand for the trip to New Brighton but hope to have Colin Duncan back.

Middlesbrough have recalled Neil Baggett at fly half for the North One match at Liverpool St Helens, with Dave Richardson switching to partner his brother Lee at centre. Dale Sawdon replaces Chris Horton at prop.

l Mathew Tait's brother, Alex, is among five Durham players taking part in the North Under 18s final trial at Broughton Park this weekend. The others are Phil Dawson, Paddy Dias, Gareth Eddy and Aaron Myers. Afterwards a team will be selected for inter-divisional games next weekend at Castlecroft, Wolverhampton.

l Durham School came from 11-0 down with 15 minutes left to win their Daily Mail Cup fourth round tie at Keswick 20-11. They are at home to Bradford Grammar School in the next round.

l Former Newcastle and Scotland No 8 Ross Beattie has been released by Newport Dragons.

l England last night eased into the quarter-finals of this season's IRB Emirates Airlines South Africa Sevens, with Newcastle Falcons' Mathew Tait playing an important part.

England completed a successful opening day by defeating Australia 24-12 to finish top of Pool B and secure a last-eight appointment with outsiders Tunisia today.

Having won the IRB Series' opening tournament in Dubai last week, England are now strongly backed to complete a quickfire double.

Mike Friday's men saw off Kenya 26-0 and Ireland 31-19 -with Tait claiming a try double - but they now face familiar rivals like New Zealand and Fiji in the knock-out rounds today.

''I am pleased that we have won all three pool matches and have progressed through to the quarter finals, but there is still a lot to work on,'' said Friday.

''We still haven't put a full game together, and we must step up a level.

"The new boys played well again.

"Neil Starling's hat-trick was encouraging in the first game against Kenya, and both Mathew Tait and Ollie Phillips impressed.'