NEWCASTLE are geared up for a physical challenge from Newport in the Heineken Cup tomorrow night - but their strength lies in their formidable back division.

And the Falcons' director of rugby Rob Andrew, the former England outside half, compares Newport with English teams Gloucester, Northampton and Harlequins.

The Newcastle backline is littered with full and A internationals, Jonny Wilkinson, Jamie Noon and Dave Walder England caps, Gary Armstrong, formerly of Scotland, Inga Tuigamala, the ex-New Zealand and Samoa powerhouse, and England A pair Tom May and Liam Botham.

Another England back Mike Stephenson has to be content with a place on the bench.

Andrew admits the balance between forwards and backs may not be right, but insists they are heading in the right direction.

"A lot of people say our weakness is the size and weight of our pack, and we do get into trouble," said Andrew.

"But we fight well and we're deveoping all the time. We don't have the balance right, but we don't want to go the other way and be a one-dimensional side at the expense of inventiveness in the backline.

"Newport are very big, not unlike the Gloucesters, Northamptons and Harlequins of this world.

"We know about Newport and we expect it to be a big physical confrontation, but we're looking forward to it.

"Their key player is Shane Howarth who makes them tick, but we know it'll be a physical challenge."

Botham played against Newport for Cardiff and said: "I can't wait to get another crack at Newport, who are my old club Cardiff's biggest rivals."

Newcastle are hoping to welcome Newport's travelling army of fans.

"We're a bit of an outpost and we're looking forward to seeing several hundred fans which will add to the atmosphere," said Newcastle marketing chief Mick Hogan.

"Newcastle is the eighth best night out in the world, and I think it's the best in Britain."

Newcastle team: D Walder, L Botham, J Noon, T May, I Tuigamala, J Wilkinson, G Armstrong, M Ward, C Balshaen, J Isaacson, H Vyvyan, S Grimes, E Taione, P Lam (captain), R Devonshire. Replacements: M Stephenson, H Charlton, G Graham, M Howe, D Weir, R Arnold, J Dunbar. Kick off 6.15pm.