James gets the match underway

The sides are out and kickoff is just moments away

Nemani Nagusa has withdrawn due to a calf problem, Gary Graham starts, Callum Chick is added to the bench.

Bottom of the table Newcastle falcons host the Sale Sharks in round 17 of the Premiership. Newcastle has won just five matches to bring up the rear in the standings, while Sale have recorded eight victories to currently lie 6th. It is incredibly tight from mid to bottom of the log, with just 5 points separating 6th and tenth place.