NEWCASTLE Falcons have changed their entire front row for tomorrow's Guinness Premiership match at home to promoted Bristol, with Rob Andrew warning: "Every game is fierce."

The Director of Rugby has tried to assemble two packs of forwards of equal stature and has already lost flanker Cory Harris with a thigh injury.

"The physicality we now see in the game is immense," said Andrew. "Some of the matches last weekend were basically 80 minutes of sheer warfare.

"We have gone for five forwards on the bench and we will do that for most of the season because there are no small packs around in the Premiership.

"Bristol have a big pack and I thought they deserved their win against Bath, so we will pay them every respect."

Bristol won 19-16 at home to Bath last Sunday, the decisive try being scored by 17st winger Lee Robinson, who brushed off several tackles to prove it's not just in the forwards where the big men thrive.

He was signed from Plymouth Albion, while former England hooker Mark Regan has returned from Leeds. But coach Richard Hill, the former England scrum half, has trawled extensively overseas in an effort to make sure Bristol survive in the Premiership after two years in division one.

Among those signed are scrum half Vaughn Going, the nephew of All Black legend Sid, and Argentinian lock Mariano Sambucetti.

From the Newcastle side which lost the opener by one point at Sale the front row of Ian Peel, Tino Paoletti and Andy Long have been replaced by Micky Ward, Matt Thompson and England prop Robbie Morris, signed from Northampton.

Scotland lock Stuart Grimes also comes in for Geoff Parling and Mick McCarthy at blind side, with skipper Colin Charvis swtiching to open side for Harris.

"If we are to achieve anything we need two packs of forwards and both need to stay fresh as long as possible," said Andrew.

"We tried to do it last year and were going well until Christmas, but with Marius Hurter leaving and Colin Charvis getting injured it fell apart somewhat. The pressure came on our front row and our season was destroyed."

Australian back row man Owen Finegan will be on the bench after coming safely through 40 minutes in the Development XV on Monday night following a knee operation.

Darlington have made two changes for their National Three North match at home to last season's runners-up, Macclesfield.

The return of centre Ben Snook sees Simon Crozier switch to the wing for Adam Kibirige, while Michael Stowe ousts hooker David Taylor, with Freddie Forrest providing cover on the bench.

Also among the replacements is Barnard Castle School flanker Phil Dawson, whose registration difficulties have been sorted out with the help of Newcastle Falcons as he is attached to their academy.

Blaydon have run into injury problems for their trip to title favourites Bradford and Bingley, who lost a lock with a broken jaw against Cleckheaton last week.

Knee injuries have ruled out two of Blaydon's new back row men, Ed Thorpe and Pat Segi, and there is a fear that Thorpe could be out for some time.

Martin Shaw damaged an ankle in training on Thursday, so former Newcastle and Borders player Joe Pattison comes into the centre with Matt Dehaty on the wing.

Andy Wright is drafted in at open side with Paul Brady, signed from Nuneaton, at No 8.

Darlington Mowden Park visit Tynedale, who include Scotland Under-21 winger Cameron Johnston.

Mowden introduce Tongan centre Sio Atelemo and Newcastle University lock Anthony Peck, who takes over from dislocated shoulder victim Luke Monument.

Neither Jonny Golightly nor Matt Howland is fully fit, so skipper Iain Dixon switches to fly half with Gareth Kerr named at inside centre and local lad Mattie Barker on the right wing.

Andrew Tonkins, who impressed when coming off the bench last week, retains his place at open side and Matt Holmes returns at No 6 with Ross Batty providing back row cover. Prop Dave Sinclair starts instead of Danny Brown.

Durham City suffered two injuries in Thursday's training, leaving prop Graham Herbert and lock Kevin Showler doubtful for the North Two East game at home to Beverley.

Making their debuts are student Ralph Smith at full back, lock Chris Wearmoth and young fly half Dan Kyle, the son of Sunderland chairman Andy Kyle.

City have a Lithuanian international centre on the bench in Tomas Bieliauskas.