Quins make one change to the starting XV that lost to Leicester Tigers in the Powergen Cup Quarter Final. Ben Gollings has chosen to play for the England Sevens team and is replaced by Matt Moore. Bill Satala retains his place after an excellent performance against Leicester. On the bench, Bruce Starr replaces Pablo Cardinalli and Chris Bell comes in for Matt Moore.

Paul Burke was disappointed to lose last week to Leicester. “We had two to three weeks to prepare for it. We felt we could have beaten them. We played well but I think they’d worked us out as much as we’d worked them out. They deserved to win over the eighty minutes.”

I told Paul that I thought he was playing well. “I’ve been dogged with injuries this season and have been carrying a few knocks going into games but hopefully they’ve cleared up and on the whole I’m pleased with the way I’m playing.”

I asked Paul if he enjoyed playing Newcastle. “It’s a good ground with a good playing surface. It’s a very different experience going up there but it’s usually enjoyable. I’m looking forward to playing against Jonny Wilkinson. We have a good record against Newcastle. We’re aware that this is a key game. If we win then we have the potential of a top four position in the League and a chance for a play off spot. If we lose then Newcastle can catch up with the rest of the pack. Newcastle have signed three or four overseas players. It might be difficult for them to fit in immediately but with the opening of their new stand and the position they’re in, they’ll definitely be up for Saturday.”

Rob Andrew has been quoted this week saying that Newcastle are going to play a more pragmatic brand of rugby. I said to Paul that this had echoes of Quins approach at the end of last season. “When you’re in that position you play to win not to entertain. It will be interesting because they usually play an expansive game of rugby.”

In the corresponding fixture last year a Paul Burke dropped goal in the last minute secured a draw for Quins in a disappointing 6 – 6 draw. At The Stoop this season Quins convincingly outplayed The Falcons and won 47 – 23. Quins scored six tries and could have scored a stack more. In fact Quins margin of victory would have been even greater but for a magnificent display at Fly Half from Jonny Wilkinson. He made one try, scored another and kicked three penalties and two conversions.

Newcastle are likely to make a number of changes to the team that beat Saracens at home in the Parker Pen Shield. They will not be announcing their line up until Saturday but Mark Andrews and Warren Britz are likely to make their debuts for Newcastle.

Mark Andrews spoke at a press conference on his arrival. "Whatever happens I think the Falcons have shown foresight to not think short-term but to adopt a long-term plan and it will pay dividends. I am coming here to make a difference from day one and after a 2 1/2 - months break, my first in 10 years of rugby, I am mentally and physically fresh."

"I am not here as a quick fix. I am not in the right position to be able to do that, like at fly-half or full-back. I hope to use my knowledge and experience to make Newcastle a better club. There is no get-out clause in my contract. I will still be here if the club do go down."

The match marks the opening of Newcastle’s new 3,800 seat stand and the Falcons will be anxious to see that it is christened with a win. Quins supporters will not need me to tell them that Newcastle’s main threat will come from their Fly Half Jonny Wilkinson. The 23 year old fly half has already been capped by England 41 times and needs six points to get to 1,000 points in the Premier League. Quins will be looking to their back row to deny him space and their set piece to spoil or nick Newcastle ball.

Rob Andrew has this week signalled his intention that Newcastle will play a less expansive and more pragmatic game to get them out of the trouble they are in at the bottom of the table. The signing of South Africans Mark Andrews and Warren Britz should see a harder edge being brought to their game. Quins will hope that referee Tony Spreadbury will be on hand to penalise any transgressions. Mark Andrews and Warren Britz have not played any rugby in the last two to three months so expect Newcastle to make full use of their bench.

Quins aim must be to keep Newcastle pinned in their own half. They are very dangerous with ball in hand especially with Jonny Wilkinson prompting their attacks. Quins should aim to secure possession through the set piece and play a tight game forward dominated game. Newcastle are prone to making mistakes and with a an unfamiliar line up opportunities will arise. Newcastle are at their best in broken play so the less mistakes Quins make, the less chance Newcastle have to play to their strengths. Weather conditions may also dictate a tighter game plan.

Quins will hope that the Falcons’ new signings will take time to bed in and that Newcastle’s suspect midfield defence will present opportunities for Greenwood and Satala. One noticeable trend in recent matches has been Nathan Williams increasing influence going forward. With Satala firing on all cylinders, Luger back to fitness and the return of Matt Moore, Quins have a pacy back line.

Quins have the perfect opportunity to put an end to their appalling away record. They are playing a team that are bottom of the league and short on confidence. If Quins can put together the sort of game they played against Leicester which was tough and mistake free then they can win by more than a converted score.





NEC Harlequins: 15. Nathan Williams; 14. Dan Luger; 13. Will Greenwood; 12. Viliame Satala; 11.Matt Moore; 10. Paul Burke; 9. Scott Bemand; 1. Jason Leonard; 2. Tani Fuga; 3. Jon Dawson; 4. Bill Davison; 5. Alex Codling; 6. Ace Tiatia; 7. Andre Vos (Capt.); 8. Tony Diprose

Replacements:
16.Bruce Starr; 17. Simon Miall; 18. Jim Evans; 19. Luke Sherriff; 20. Matthew Powell; 21. Chris Bell; 22. Rob Jewell



Newcastle Falcons (possible) 15 Joe Shaw; 14 Liam Botham; 13 Jamie Noon; 12 Mark Mayerhofler; 11 Michael Stephenson; 10 Jonny Wilkinson; 9 James Grindal; 1 Ian Peel; 2 Nick Makin; 3 Marius Hurter; 4 Mark Andrews; 5 Stuart Grimes; 6 Jon Dunbar; 7 Warren Britz; 8 Hugh Vyvyan

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