Thompson and Godman return for Exiles’ TV clash

LONDON Scottish’s match against Newcastle Falcons tomorrow will be televised live by Sky Sports 3 (kick-off 3.15pm), and the Exiles have made two changes to the starting XV from their last Championship fixture against Bristol in November.

Dave McCall comes in for Gerard Mullen on the left wing, whilst Tyler Hotson is back in the second row having spent much of November on international duty with Canada. Mark Irish, Adam Kwasnicki, Paul Spivey, Ross Samson, Phil Godman and Jim Thompson all return to the starting XV having missed the British and Irish Cup visit to Llanelli last weekend.

Falcons have made four changes. Mark Wilson replaces Ally Hogg in the back-row with the latter sidelined with an 
injury picked up in last week’s 93-0 B&I Cup victory over Newport, while Carlo del Fava returns to the engine room after recovering from a hand injury. Tongan international Suka Hufanga partners Jamie Helleur at the heart of the Falcons backline, and Alex Tait comes in for Jimmy Gopperth at full-back. Gopperth is denied his 100th appearance with an ankle injury.

Victory over the Londoners will make it 12 wins out of 12 in the league and 16 out of 16 in all competitions as the feelgood factor for rugby in the north east of England continues to blossom.

Falcons’ director of rugby Dean Richards said: “They’re a quality side and they play some lovely rugby. They have a talented fly-half and I think it will be a difficult challenge for us. That said, we are in good shape and we are very much looking forward to the game on Sunday.”