FOUR of Bath's first-choice front five are on England duty this weekend, but Newcastle Falcons still expect a fierce battle at the Recreation Ground today.

Locks Danny Grewcock and Steve Borthwick, plus prop Matt Stevens, are in the England team to play France, while hooker Lee Mears is on the bench.

But the two Newcastle front row men with England experience, Robbie Morris and hooker Andy Long, know that the Bath replacements will give them a tough time.

"They can bring David Flatman and Pieter Dixon into the front row, which shows they have a lot of strength in that area," said Morris.

"We don't see them as a weakened team at all. We just want to continue the improved form we have shown recently."

Morris, 24, who joined the Falcons last summer, won two caps while with Northampton, but said: "I'm not thinking about England because I can't have any effect on the selectors' minds other than by playing well for my club.

"Coming to Newcastle has been a good move for me because I needed a fresh start. I have had a really good run in the side and played a lot of games, which is good for any player's confidence. I really feel part of something and I hope to stay here a long time.

"The goal of helping to create something special at Kingston Park is more than enough motivation for me. Most of the forwards are young English lads and it's fantastic for the club because they are going to be around together for a long time."

Although Bath won 27-16 at Kingston Park in September, they have struggled to climb away from danger while the Falcons have moved up to sixth in the Guinness Premiership.

Bath were too strong for their hosts up front in early season, but since recalling Brian Ashton as coach they have tried to adopt a more adventurous style, which might not be suited to today's conditions.

"Everyone down there is getting excited about the new game plan," said Long, who won his England caps while with Bath.

"But they are new to it and we feel this is a chance for us to have a real go at them. It's my second time back at the Rec since I left and we won there early last season, so I'm hoping for a repeat.

"There's no big football team down there so rugby is the whole focus of the city and the fans pack the place out. They will be expecting their team to turn us over, despite having a lot of guys away with England. We have other ideas and with the form we have been showing up front it should be a really good contest."

Long will be up against Dixon, a 28-year-old Zimbabwean who has played Super 12 rugby and had climbed to the fringe of the South African side when he joined Bath last summer.

Another summer signing, Michael Stephenson, is one of two Durham School products on the staff along with Lee Best, who is on the bench today.

Stephenson's Newcastle career was ended by a badly-broken leg just over a year ago, but having already agreed terms, Bath went ahead with the signing and he made his comeback in December.

Newcastle converted him from full back to wing but Bath seem to see him more as second choice No 15 behind ex-England man Matt Perry, who has the shirt today.

Bath have Peter Short and James Hudson deputising for their England locks and they will be up against Andy Perry and Geoff Parling, with Stuart Grimes waiting to come off the bench.

Following last week's many postponements, there could be more today because of waterlogging.

A mudbath is the best Darlington Mowden Park can hope for in a National Three North match at Kendal, which was originally postponed on November 19.

Blaydon will want to play their home match against New Brighton come hell or high water and Tynedale will also be anxious to avoid a second successive postponement.

They are at home to Cleckheaton but are without wingers Hamish Smales and Cameron Johnston, plus back row man Ed Williamson, who has a chest injury.

Middlesbrough visit North One leaders Morley with the same side they picked last week, when the visit of West Park St Helens was frozen off.

Very much in danger is the Hartlepool derby in North Two East, with Rovers due to stage their third meeting of the season with West, the score standing at 1-1. A postponement might suit Rovers, who have been hit by front-row injuries recently, while West were on a good run until they lost at home to leaders Penrith last week.

It was a disappointing weekend for West, whose colts lost their national cup quarter-final 12-0 away to Old Northamptonians.

They have Aaron Myers back from England Under-18 duty and have selected him in the back row alongside the Boatman brothers, Dan and Jonny. Martin Todd also returns at full back for the injured Darren Thomas.

Durham City need to win at second-placed Beverley if they are to retain any hope of promotion. Richard Stanley is out for the season after breaking a collar bone last week, so Nick Howe and Richard Knowles are paired at centre with Dan Kyle back at fly half. Chris Mattison returns on the wing and Howard Johnson reverts from centre to blind side.