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Newcastle Falcons
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Leeds Carnegie

Match scheduled:
27-12-2010 from15:00GMT
Aviva Premiership

Falcons aiming to extend safety net

The bottom two clash at Kinston Park on Monday with Leeds desperate for a boost in their pursuit of the rest going into the New Year.

Originally fixed for Boxing Day, this clash will now go ahead on Monday, December 27 with Leeds seven points behind Newcastle at the foot of the table and needing to start picking up victories if they are to reel-in those ahead of them in the standings. And they may not get a better chance, with the Falcons having one just once in their last seven Aviva Premiership outings.

The Falcons' last home game was moved to Galashiels in Scotland, when they grabbed a last-gasp victory over Exeter in the Amlin Challenge Cup. And the continued freezing conditions at Kingston Park led to this match being delayed by 24 hours to Monday afternoon.

Newcastle - Player to Watch: Alan Tait will be hoping new signing Euan Murray can have an impact up front after joining from Northampton. At his best, the Scotland and Lions prop is a destructive scrummager and the struggling Falcons need tome impetus.

Newcastle - Team News: The Boxing Day postponement frees up Euan Murray to make his Falcons debut in the front row, while Micky Young returns to the side after a spell on the sideline and Jason Spice starts on the bench.

Leeds - Player to Watch: Hendrie Fourie's ball winning skills will be key for Neil Back's men if they are secure their first win of the season against their closest rivals at the foot of the table..

Leeds - Team News: Steve Thompson and Hendrie Fourie return to the Leeds fold, Gareth Hardy and Phil Swainston will start in the front row alongside England hooker Thompson whilst Lachlan MacKay starts at fly-half and Ceiron Thomas reverts to full back.

Key Battle: Relegation battles are rarely pretty and it will be the coolest scrum-half who can get their side moving. Warren Fury and Micky Young will do battle for control of the game, their packs will help but their backlines will thank them for clean ball.

Newcastle Falcons

TEAM

15	FB	Jeremy Manning
14	W	Luke Fielden
13	C	Tane Tu'ipulotu
12	C	Luke Eves
11	W	Gcobani Bobo
10	FH	Jimmy Gopperth
9	SH	Micky Young
1	P	Grant Shiells
2	H	Matt Thompson
3	P	Euan Murray
4	L	James Hudson
5	L	Tim Swinson
6	F	Will Welch
7	F	Redford Pennycook
8	N8	Ally Hogg

Leeds Carnegie

TEAM

15	FB	Ceiron Thomas
14	W	Lee Blackett
13	C	Henry Fa'afili
12	C	Scott Barrow
11	W	Michael Stephenson
10	FH	Lachie Mackay
9	SH	Warren Fury
1	P	Gareth Hardy
2	H	Steve Thompson
3	P	Phil Swainston
4	L	Tom Denton
5	L	Marco Wentzel
6	F	Rhys Oakley
7	F	Hendre Fourie
8	N8	Daniel Browne