Tait returns at centre for Falcons’ cup tie

The 21-year-old World Cup star replaces Tim Visser, with the only other change coming at scrum half as Lee Dickson comes in for Hall Charlton.

In the opening weekend of the competition both matches in the pool were drawn, so a win will give the Falcons a good chance of progressing, although their final group game is away to Wasps.

Having resisted the urge to select Tait at full back in the absence of Matthew Burke, Director of Rugby John Fletcher said: "That's the selection for this week. Whatever happens after that will be based on form and what I think is the best team for the next game.

"Even in pre-season I was keen to see Tom May at full back - obviously not in the circumstances we have with Matt Burke being injured - but I thought he did well there at Gloucester last weekend."

Jonny Wilkinson is still not ready to return because of his ankle problem and Jamie Noon continues to be ruled out by his knee injury, along with captain Phil Dowson, and England Saxons flanker Ben Woods.

Fletcher said: "They're all reasonably close. It's a question of days and weeks rather than months. Once they're medically fit they will be available for selection."

Tait's brother, Alex, is again among the replacements after going on for his senior debut last week and another man with Mowden Park experience this season, flanker Ed Williamson, is also on the bench.

One familiar name returning to Kingston Park is that of Dragons and former Newcastle captain Colin Charvis, with Fletcher stating: "I don't think he has a point to prove to anyone here.

"He was an outstanding servant for the Falcons, he was made club captain and he was a very popular member of our squad.

"He is a fine character and a lot of the boys still keep in touch with him.

"Being the sort of player he is it will be a fiery 80 minutes then handshakes all round and a pint with our lads."

Newcastle Falcons: Tom May, Ollie Phillips, Mathew Tait, Steve Jones, John Rudd, Toby Flood, Lee Dickson, Joe McDonnell (capt), Matt Thompson, David Wilson, Andy Perry, Mark Sorenson, Geoff Parling, Brent Wilson, Russell Winter ■ Stockton make their third visit to Tyneside in a month when they travel to Ryton with Anthony Parkinson back at flanker for Paul Mallory, who is on the bench. Keith Etherington is unavailable so Konrad Tempest reclaims the second row spot.

Last week's late replacement Andy Bare continues on the wing for Ritchie Brown, who bravely returned to the pitch after breaking his nose only to break his thumb .

Prop Tony Traynor is likely to start with Ben Cordiner replacing him off the bench, a reversal of the recent pattern.

■ Stokesley Technical School pulled off a shock 3-0 win against Barnard Castle to reach the fourth round of the Daily Mail Under 15 Cup after entering for the first time.

They began with a 24-12 win at Yarm School, then beat Richmond 25-9 before surprising coach Nick Wilson with their third round win.

"To be honest, I didn't think we'd get through against Yarm, but rugby in the school has been getting better and this is a particularly strong age-group," he said.

"They've won all five games this season, scoring 140 points and conceding only 20."

"Centre James Drysdale and fly-half Ryan Connors are both very good and play at Middlesbrough RFC, but our full-back James De Cosemo, who kicked the penalty against Barnard Castle, plays soccer when he's not at school.

"He's just a natural who can turn his hand to anything."

Stokesley now await the winners of the Harrogate GS/Ampleforth tie.

■ In a poor advert for colts rugby there were five walkovers in the second round of the northern group in the national cup.

West Hartlepool pulled out of their match against Old Aldwinians, and even Otley were among the clubs failing to fulfil fixtures.

Blaydon won 29-19 at Westoe and will now entertain Horden, who had a walkover against Sandbach, while Middlesbrough's 41-6 home win against Keighley earned them a home tie against Harrogate.

Darlington are at home to Driffield in the third round.