Following the postponement of the Newcastle Falcons versus Cornish Pirates match in the RFU Championship at the end of January, the rescheduled fixture takes place this Saturday (ko 7pm).

Taking coach and air travel to face the unbeaten league leaders in the far north east of England, on their first visit to Kingston Park, the presently fifth-placed Pirates will be keen give a good account of themselves as they attempt to avenge a disappointing 3-25 result at the Mennaye Field in September.

Missing a number of players through injury, the Cornish team's starting line-up shows several changes from the side that lost disappointingly 20-17 at home to London Scottish last weekend.

Included among them is the selection of wing Ashley Smith, who has made two appearances off the bench since recently signing on loan from London Welsh. Also, after featuring for Redruth in their last three games, Aaron Penberthy slots in at fly-half to complete his comeback from injury. Lock Gary Johnson is named to skipper the side.

Head coach Ian Davies is aware that a touch challenge awaits, commenting:   “Playing the Falcons this season, and especially away from home, provides a mighty challenge, but we'll just get up there and play and hopefully conjure up a performance to put the disappointment of last weekend behind us.”

Cornish Pirates:   W. Davies, B. Mercer, G. Pointer, T. Bedford, A. Smith, A. Penberthy, T. Kessell, J. Tyas, P. Burgess, A. Cheesman, D. Barry, G. Johnson (capt), P. Joyce, D. Semmens, R. Storer.
Replacements:   P. Andrew, R. Elloway, B. Prescott, D. Lyons, K. Marriott, O. Hambly, T. Riley.