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WILL WELCH Newcastle flanker JAMIE GIBSON Northampton flanker

Both were at their industrious best, winning lineouts, slowing ball down at the breakdown and making hard yards and tackles when required, but Gibson was unable to last the distance, being replaced a few minutes before half-time after taking a heavy hit. Welch continued in the second half, doing the unflashy work that makes him such a key cog in this Falcons machine.