Newcastle keeping Wilkinson in reserve

Challenge Cup Semi-finals: Jonny Wilkinson remains on the bench for Newcastle's European Challenge Cup semi-final at home to London Irish tomorrow (Sky Sports 2, kick-off: 12.35pm).

Wilkinson gave a neat performance when coming on as a second-half substitute in last Sunday's 32-21 victory over Premiership leaders Sale, his first outing since November. That win preserved the Falcons' top-flight status.

But director of rugby Rob Andrew has opted to leave the World Cup winner on the bench with Dave Walder preferred at outhalf.

Andrew named his team yesterday but admitted there could be several changes pending a series of fitness tests today on Andy Perry (shoulder), Geoff Parling (shoulder), Toby Flood (knee), Andy Buist (back) and Matt Thompson (thigh).

Skipper Colin Charvis admitted that avoiding domestic relegation at home was a massive boost for himself and his team-mates. "Psychologically, that is a massive weight off our minds as a club," the Welsh forward said. "With the threat of relegation looming, you are talking about people's jobs and livelihoods.

"Now that burden is lifted, the European Challenge Cup represents a great chance to achieve something from the season. It is silverware, which is great for the fans, but it is also Heineken Cup qualification and all the benefits that brings."

Newcastle's hopes though, of toppling a team 15 points and six places above them in the Premiership have been dented by several fitness concerns.

Andrew has been impressed by Irish's resurgence under rugby director Brian Smith. "They have gone very well this season, and they've completely changed their whole style of play by putting a lot more width in to their gameplan, combined with a great deal of pace in the back three.

"We have to be careful that the players we pick are 100 per cent fit, because this will be a very quick game.

"Their back three of Delon Armitage, Sailosi Tagicakibau and Topsy Ojo is absolutely electric, and they have forwards with a lot of pace, so we can't afford to have any passengers on board."

Tomorrow's first semi-final provides a quick-fire rematch between Premiership neighbours Gloucester and Worcester at Kingsholm (Sky Sports 2, kick-off: 12.35pm).

Gloucester defeated the Warriors 27-16 in league action last weekend, and will start as favourites for a repeat result against a Worcester side who have drifted from mid-table to 11th place by losing six of their last seven Premiership games.