Rugby
New Miller
14 March 2008
Newcastle Falcons have handed a Guinness Premiership debut to 18-year-old fly half Rob Miller, as they welcome Bristol to Kingston Park on Sunday (kick-off 3pm). The Cumbrian has been released from England Under-20s’ Grand Slam decider against Ireland this weekend, to become the third-youngest player ever to represent the Falcons. Miller, who will be aged 18 years and 224 days on Sunday, joins an illustrious list of young Falcons debutants, topped by England centre Mathew Tait who scored a sensational try on his first league start against London Irish in May 2004, aged 18 years and 3 months. Fellow fly half Jonny Wilkinson is next on that list, having scored a try on his league debut against West Hartlepool back in November 1998, aged just 18 years and six months. Miller’s inclusion in the Falcons team is just one of six changes made by interim director of rugby Steve Bates, having taken over the reins this week until the end of the season.
All Black prop Joe McDonnell starts at loose head in place of Jon Golding, fit-again Andy Perry comes back at lock and South African Russell Winter slots in at No.8 as captain Phil Dowson moves round to the blindside flank. In the backs Tim Visser takes the place of Ollie Phillips on the right wing, while Joe Shaw comes in for Alex Tait at inside centre. On the bench there is a return for Hall Charlton, with James Grindal unavailable on account of his wife being due to give birth.
Interim director of rugby, Steve Bates, said: “Everyone is aware that this week has not been an easy one for us, but after a turbulent start to the week what has been pleasing is the way the players have just got on and focused on the job in hand. Bristol are immediately above us in the league and the importance of this fixture is not lost on us, so I am expecting a very spirited performance and the players to execute the game plan we have discussed at length during the week.”
Tickets for Sunday’s game are still available by calling 0871 226 60 60, or from Kingston Park during office hours and on the day.
Newcastle Falcons team to face Bristol:
- 15 Tom May
- 14 Tim Visser
- 13 Tom Dillon
- 12 Joe Shaw
- 11 John Rudd
- 10 Rob Miller
- 9 Lee Dickson
- 1 Joe McDonnell
- 2 Matt Thompson
- 3 Carl Hayman
- 4 Andy Perry
- 5 Mark Sorenson
- 6 Phil Dowson (captain)
- 7 Ben Woods
- 8 Russell Winter
Replacements:
- 16 Rob Vickers
- 17 David Wilson
- 18 Tim Swinson
- 19 Brent Wilson
- 20 Hall Charlton
- 21 Ollie Phillips
- 22 Alex Tait
Not considered for selection: Matthew Burke (knee), James Hoyle (hip), Steve Jones (ankle), Andy Buist (shoulder), Sean Tomes (neck), Andy Long (hand), Jon Golding, Geoff Parling (knee), James Grindal (family reasons).
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