Cross-code start Sam Burgess will start in Bath's back-row against Newcastle Falcons on Friday.

Burgess has been largely used in the centres by Bath since his switch from league giants the Rabbitohs earlier in the season. He was used there from the bench in Bath's loss to Leinster at the weekend but Mike Ford has shifted him to blindside for Bath's trip to Newcastle.

Back-row was mooted as Burgess' best position prior to his move from league to union. He has featured at both inside and outside centre but was used in the back-row in an A-League match for Bath. He is partnered in the back-row by captain Francois Louw and Leroy Houston. Matt Garvey starts in the locks alongside Dominic Day.