GLOUCESTER return to Aviva Premiership action against the Newcastle Falcons on Saturday (Kingsholm, kick-off 3pm), and make several changes to the side that defeated Exeter Chiefs at home last weekend.

The Cherry and Whites find themselves in the middle of a series of testing encounters and, following the bruising encounter against the Chiefs under the Kingsholm floodlights last Saturday, make full use of their matchday squad for the visit of the Falcons.

The matchday 23 is very much the same as the one on duty last weekend, but several of last weekend's replacements come into the starting line up.

There are three changes in the backs. Irish centre Brendan Macken gets a run out alongside Billy Twelvetrees in the Gloucester midfield and there is a new half back pairing in Billy Burns and Dan Robson.

Up front, Yann Thomas, Darren Dawidiuk and Sila Puafisi will make up the front row and Elliott Stooke and Ross Moriarty will start in the second row and back row respectively.

Director of Rugby David Humphreys stressed that, although the Edinburgh game is on the horizon, this week is all about Newcastle.

He said:"Everyone is aware that there's a big Cup Final next weekend, but the focus this week has very much been on preparing for Newcastle. We had Monday off to get over the bumps and bruises from Exeter but came in mentally fresh on Tuesday.

"We're excited about the opportunity to get back to Kingsholm in front of another big crowd, and hopefully build on last week's performance which is the best way to prepare us for a European final against Edinburgh.

"We've been looking for momentum throughout the season. But it's also about confidence and having belief in how we're trying to play. And I think you saw last weekend, possibly for the first time this season, a near complete 80 minute performance.

"We've made some changes and the challenge for those coming in is to build on last week's performance, to give us some energy and enthusiasm. It's also important for all the squad to get some game time and be match sharp. There's a lot still to play for.

"Newcastle have played some great rugby all year. We had a very close game against them in November, which we were obviously disappointed to lose. They have some dangerous players and we know the threats that they're going to pose.

"But again, building on our performance from last week, we're very focused on how we've got to play the game. We've got to get our basics right. Do that, and we know that we've got the players to complete with anyone.”

Gloucester Rugby: Charlie Sharples; Jonny May, Brendan Macken, Billy Twelvetrees (capt), Henry Purdy; Billy Burns, Dan Robson; Yann Thomas, Darren Dawidiuk, Sila Puafisi; Elliott Stooke, Mariano Galarza; Ross Moriarty, Matt Kvesic, Sione Kalamafoni Replacements: Richard Hibbard, Dan Murphy, John Afoa, Tom Savage, Gareth Evans, Greig Laidlaw, James Hook, Bill Meakes