Head coach Heyneke Meyer makes a number of changes to the side for the final home game of 2008, with Boris Stankovich and George Chuter joining Julian White in the front row, and Marco Wentzel teaming up with Kay at lock. In the back row, Craig Newby and Brett Deacon are recalled alongside Lewis Moody.
In the backline, Matt Smith moves to centre and top try-scorer Johne Murphy returns on the wing.
And there is a return to the matchday squad for prop Martin Castrogiovanni, who is named among the replacements after being sidelined by injury since last season. Ben Herring is also back in the squad after a hamstring injury.
Jordan Crane, Tom Croft and Dan Hipkiss are among the players rested this week, while Harry Ellis is suspended.
“Newcastle have had a few injuries to key players but we know they will lift their game when they come here,” said Meyer.
“It is important that we also lift our game after defeat last weekend.
“We have a few of the England guys rested this week and it is important that we keep all of the guys fresh because it is a long season.
“But we also have a number of players who have been waiting for a chance and they have stepped up well whenever they have been needed this season.”
Tickets for Saturday’s game are still available from the Tigers ticket office. Call 08701 28 34 30, book online or call in at Welford Road.
Leicester Tigers (v Newcastle Falcons, Welford Road, Saturday 1.30pm)
15 Geordan Murphy
14 Scott Hamilton
13 Matt Smith
12 Aaron Mauger
11 Johne Murphy
10 Toby Flood
9 Julien Dupuy
1 Boris Stankovich
2 George Chuter
3 Julian White
4 Marco Wentzel
5 Ben Kay (captain)
6 Craig Newby
7 Lewis Moody
8 Brett Deacon
Replacements
16 Mefin Davies
17 Martin Castrogiovanni
18 Martin Corry
19 Ben Herring
20 Ben Youngs
21 Tom Varndell
22 Seru Rabeni
