SALE Sharks have made six changes from the side that lost 15-9 to Bristol as they prepare to take on Newcastle Falcons tonight.

The Guinness Premiership champions slipped to fourth in the league after their defeat at the Memorial Stadium and director of rugby Philippe Saint-Andre has rung the changes as they look to get their title bid back on track.

Richard Wigglesworth and Oriol Ripol come in for Sililo Martens and Steve Hanley in the backs, while the injured Chris Bell is replaced by Chris Mayor.

After missing out on the England 22 for the Test match against South Africa, Magnus Lund comes straight into the back row, replacing the absent Chris Jones.

Welsh prop Ben Evans starts for the first time since the Heineken Cup defeat against the Ospreys, while Chris Day partners Dean Schofield in the second row.

Meanwhile, the visiting Falcons have also made half a dozen changes, as they bid to improve on their showing in the 28-5 EDF Energy Cup defeat to Sharks.

Both Joe McDonnell and Loki Crichton will make their first Guinness Premiership starts after joining the club last month.

McDonnell takes the place of Jon Golding at loose head prop, while Crichton forms a new-look half-back partnership with scrum half Lee Dickson, who comes in for James Grindal.

Up front, Matt Thompson slots in at hooker for Andy Long and Mike McCarthy replaces Brent Wilson at number 8.

The only other change to the starting XV sees former Sale back James Hoyle come in at outside centre for Mathew Tait, who is on England duty.

Another pair of former Sharks come in on the bench, with both Anthony Elliott and Joe Shaw included in the matchday 22.

SALE: Jason Robinson; Ben Foden, Mark Taylor, Chris Mayor, Oriol Ripol; Daniel Larrechea, Richard Wigglesworth; Eifion Lewis Roberts, Sebastien Bruno, Ben Evans; Dean Schofield, Chris Day; Nathan Bonner-Evans, Magnus Lund, Sebastien Chabal.

Replacements: Andy Titterrell, Stuart Turner/ Martin Halsall, Sean Cox, Michael Hills/Ben Lloyd, Sililo Martens, Lee Thomas/David Blair, Steve Hanley.

NEWCASTLE: Matthew Burke; Tom May, James Hoyle, Mark Mayerhofler, John Rudd; Loki Crichton, Lee Dickson; Joe McDonnell, Matt Thompson, David Wilson; Andy Perry, Jason Oakes; Geoff Parling, Ben Woods, Mike McCarthy.

Replacements: Robbie Morris, Andy Long, Brent Wilson, Cory Harris, Joe Shaw, James Grindal, Anthony Elliott.

Tickets for the game are still available by phoning the ticket office on phoning 08712 220120 (option 2).