European Challenge Cup - First start for Hayman

Eurosport - Wed, 05 Dec 15:42:00 2007

All Blacks prop Carl Hayman will make his full debut for Newcastle in Friday night's European Challenge Cup clash against Connacht.

Carl Hayman - New Zealand - 0

Hayman (pictured), who appeared off the bench during last weekend's EDF Energy Cup loss to Wasps, is among five Falcons changes from that game.

Newcastle rugby director John Fletcher said: "Carl played 40 minutes at Wasps last weekend after being in the country for four days and having only trained once with the team.

"I thought he made a good contribution, even in those circumstances, and with the jet lag now out of his system and a good week of training under his belt, we are looking forward to seeing how he goes."

Elsewhere in the Falcons side, England centre Mathew Tait remains at full-back, with a fit-again Jonny Wilkinson starting his second game since the World Cup final almost seven weeks ago.

SportingLife / Eurosport