ALAN Tait is hoping an impromptu team talk from Euan Murray will inspire Newcastle Falcons to a surprise success at Northampton Saints this afternoon.

Murray has missed the start of the domestic season because of his international duties with Scotland at the World Cup in New Zealand.

The experienced prop spent two-and-a-half years as a Northampton player and knows all about the threat posed by today's opponents, who will be hoping to power up the Aviva Premiership table now their own World Cup contingent has returned.

Falcons could do with improving their own position at the foot of the league, and Murray has taken it upon himself to inspire a positive reaction in training this week.

"Having Euan available is a massive help, and he is a major presence around the group," said head coach Tait. "He doesn't always have to say anything to have an influence, because the guys just learn so much by seeing one of the best props in the world go about his daily business in preparing himself for the game.

"He's a great professional, and what I got from signing him is the fact that people see our intentions. They see one of the top players on the planet here, and he is really fired up.

"He spoke in the team meeting on Monday, and it is good sometimes to hear it from players rather than myself or the other coaches.

"He outlined exactly what he wanted from every single player, and the hairs on the back of my neck were standing up because you could feel the intensity and passion.

"When we went out training afterwards there was a level shown that suggests we are right up for it, and it has really set the tone for the whole preparation."

As expected, Tait has made wholesale changes to the side that lost to London Irish in the LV=Cup last weekend.

Murray will line up alongside Grant Shiells and Joe Graham in the front row, with Tim Swinson and Will Welch also making a return to the pack.

Corne Uys starts at centre having impressed following his recent move from South Africa, with Luke Eves moving to the wing to cover for the injured Luke Fielden, who will be sidelined for three months with a shoulder injury.

Kiwi goal-kicking supremo Jimmy Gopperth gets the nod at fly-half, with compatriot Jeremy Manning moving to full-back.

Ally Hogg will continue as skipper, with James Hudson set to return from suspension in Friday's home game with Worcester.

NEWCASTLE FALCONS (vs Northampton): Manning, Eves, Uys, Helleur, Sheriffe, Gopperth, Pilgrim; Shiells, Graham, Murray, Swinson, van der Heijden, Wilson, Welch, Hogg.

Replacements: Mayhew, Wells, Frazier, Townson, Pennycook, Pasqualin, Tait, Goosen.