By Ridley
August 29 2002

Liam Botham is at full back and Joe Shaw on the wing in the side to take on Wasps in the ZP opener on Sunday. Epi takes over Andrew Mower's shirt with Arnold and Dunbar making up the rest of the controversial back row.

Falcons: 15 Liam Botham 14 Joe Shaw 13 Jamie Noon 12 Tom May 11 Michael Stephenson 10 Jonny Wilkinson 9 Hall Charlton 1 Ian Peel 2 Steve Brotherstone 3 Marius Hurter 4 Hugh Vyvyan 5 Stuart Grimes 6 Epi Taione 7 Richard Arnold 8 Jon Dunbar

Rob will name his replacements on Sunday.

His team selection is hardly surprising given the long term injury to Dave Walder and the dearth of summer signings. Scrum half James Grindal might have got the nod ahead of Hall Charlton while back Otuvaka is likely to be on the bench alongside Matt Thompson and Craig Hamilton.

So far Falcons have not distinguished themselves. The front five are competitive but the back row looks distinctly lightweight.

We should win line-out ball and if the back row can at least protect Charlton and Wilkinson we might justs do some damage in the midfield. Much will depend this season on Messrs Noon and May. At times last season they flattered to deceive but without a Walder breaking into the line they will have to take more responsibility themselves.