Newcastle Falcons have handed a starting debut to new signing Tane Tu'ipulotu, as they play host to London Irish in Sunday's Guinness Premiership clash at Kingston Park (kick-off 3pm).

The Tongan arrival makes his Falcons bow after helping Wellington Lions to Ranfurly Shield glory and the final of the Air New Zealand Cup last month, with the 27-year-old Junior All Black starting at inside centre.

Elsewhere in the side there are only two further changes from the team which lost by just one point to Gloucester in their last outing, with Andy Long replacing Rob Vickers at hooker and an ankle injury seeing Rory Clegg come in for Rob Miller at fly half.

Meanwhile on the bench there are returns for fit-again trio David Wilson (pectoral), Ross Beattie (ankle) and Geoff Parling (cheekbone).

Speaking on the decision to start new boy Tu'ipulotu, director of rugby Steve Bates said: "Tane has been here two weeks now, and the initial impressions are all very good ones.

"I think people have to be patient because it will certainly take him time to get used to the Guinness Premiership and to playing with a totally new team, but that process starts this weekend.

"Before he even arrived in England he had downloaded and watched all of our games over the internet, so he's up to speed in that regard and aware of what game we are trying to play.

"What I have seen from him in training has backed up everything we thought when we were looking to sign him, and he has shown himself to be an extremely talented footballer. He links up well, brings other people in to play and I've been really impressed with his communication.

"Having that experience is important especially with a young fly half, and the partnership between him and Rory Clegg looks like being a good one based on what we have seen on the training field so far."

With league matters now back on the agenda after a month of cup action, Bates said: "November is an absolutely vital month for us, and there is a huge emphasis on these next three Guinness Premiership games.

"We are eighth in the table at the moment, we feel as if we missed out on the opening day against Sale Sharks but if we can give a strong account of ourselves over this next three games then it will obviously help our league position and get us up towards where we need to be.

"In our last outing against Gloucester two weeks ago there was a lot of good stuff from the players, especially in defence, and if we can repeat that effort with more of an emphasis on composure then we're confident going in to Sunday's game."

Against an Exiles team boosted by England's decision to release line out lynchpin Nick Kennedy, Bates added: "We have to play in the right areas of the field, improve our own personal skills and combat the threat of London Irish in parts of the game where we know they are strong like the breakdown and line out.

"They have an excellent coach in Toby Booth who I know from the England Saxons set-up, he will have them prepared well and they will be a tricky side to handle with some of the experience and class they have throughout their squad.

"We have targeted specific areas we want to attack, training has been very structured and gone well this week so from a preparation point of view we feel as if we're in good shape."

The club has designated Sunday as a special family fun day, with special ticket deals on offer. A family of two adults and two children can gain free parking and four standing tickets in the covered South Terrace for just £50, or West Stand seats for £75. For ticket information call 0871 226 60 60.

Newcastle Falcons team to face London Irish:

15 Steve Jones
14 Danny Williams
13 Tom May
12 Tane Tu'ipulotu
11 John Rudd
10 Rory Clegg
9 Hall Charlton

1 Jon Golding
2 Andy Long
3 Micky Ward
4 Tim Swinson
5 Mark Sorenson
6 Ed Williamson
7 Brent Wilson
8 Phil Dowson (captain)

Replacements:

16 Rob Vickers
17 David Wilson
18 Ross Beattie
19 Geoff Parling
20 Tom Dillon
21 James Grindal
22 Spencer Davey

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