NEWCASTLE Falcons are to hand New Zealander Cory Harris his debut in tonight's Zurich Premiership match away to second-placed Sale.

The 29-year-old open side flanker replaces Colin Charvis, who is playing for Wales against South Africa tomorrow.

Harris was with Celtic Warriors last season and went back to his previous club, Bridgend, when the Warriors were disbanded on the understanding that he could leave if a professional club came in for him.

"I was delighted when Newcastle spoke to me," he said. "I had the option to sign for an Irish province, but having seen the set-up at Newcastle and spoken to some people about the place my mind was made up.

"It's an exciting time to be coming into the team. It's a big game and the Sale fans are obviously behind their team because they have been playing good, attacking rugby.

"I am looking forward to playing with guys like Matt Burke and Jonny Wilkinson, but what has really impressed me has been the quality of the local lads and some of the youngsters in training.

"The skill level is extremely high and there's a lot talent throughout the club from what I have seen."

Harris was signed too late to be eligible for the pool stages of the Heineken Cup, but after watching the Falcons' victories against Gwent Dragons and Perpignan he is confident they can reach the quarter-finals.

Like all the Falcons' previous away games this season, tonight's match is a sell-out with a guaranteed crowd of 10,500.

Sale have skipper Jason Robinson at full back, with Wilkinson's likely England deputy Charlie Hodgson at fly half alongside Scotland scrum half Bryan Redpath. But they are without winger Steve Hanley and prop Trevor Woodman because of injury.

Their only defeat in nine matches this season was by 17-16 at home to London Irish.

The last seven Premiership meetings between these sides have all gone with home advantage, while Newcastle won 37-33 when they met in the Powergen Cup final in May.

Hooker Andy Long returns after a hamstring injury for the Falcons, with Matt Thompson dropping to the bench, while Micky Ward comes in at tight head for Marius Hurter, who has a groin injury. James Grindal starts at scrum half.

Darlington Mowden Park will be without goal-kicker Mark Bedworth, the second highest points scorer in National Three North this season, for at least two weeks.

The centre's 16 points in last week's win against Kendal took his tally to 64 but his hamstring injury has left Mowden short of backs.

They even spoke to former captain Mick Kent, now coaching Consett, who have no game tomorrow. The rules would have allowed Kent to switch for a week but he is working.

Mowden also have a doubt about their other centre, Martin Shaw, and winger Andy Foreman for tomorrow's trip to New Brighton and will be without flanker Tim Wilks because of a dead leg.

Darlington will give serious consideration to who they field on the left wing in their home match against Cleckheaton as Paul Beattie's defensive frailty was exposed last week. The visitors are expected to have player-coach John Bentley, the former British Lion, on the right wing.

The region's other two national league clubs meet at Blaydon, who will be desperate for a win against Tynedale.

Elsewhere it's Powergen cup day, with Middlesbrough at home to North One rivals Birkenhead Park in the third round of the Intermediate event.

Boro have lost only once at home in 12 ties in this competition, by 32-13 against Redcar four years ago.

Hopes of starting with the three Richardson brothers in midfield have been dashed by an injury to fly half Dave, so Neil Baggett switches to No 10.

With Martin Featherstone also injured, Shaun Richardsoncomes in at centre, while Scott Watson is at prop for Chris Horton.

Durham City are in the third round for only the second time in nine years, but they face a tough tie at Morley.

York have to visit Driffield for the third successive season and have lost the last two ties 54-14 and 57-6.

North Shields have been disqualified from the Junior Vase after fielding a cup-tied player against Novos, who have been reinstated and will visit Scarborough.

Northallerton, who reached the fifth round last year, stage their sixth successive home tie against Gateshead, while Richmond are aiming to reach the fourth round for the first time when they visit Gosforth.