Newcastle boss Rob Andrew, pictured, has hailed the selection of Falcons centres Mathew Tait and Jamie Noon for England's RBS 6 Nations Championship opener against Wales.

Tait, 19 next Sunday, will become the youngest England debutant since his Newcastle colleague Jonny Wilkinson almost seven years ago when he runs out at the Millennium Stadium.

Noon, meanwhile, has won just five caps, but Andrew believes that both players have what it takes. "I am extremely proud of both of them," said the Falcons rugby director.

"Jamie has been rewarded for his consistently superb performances for us, and I have no doubt that he has what it takes to translate that onto the international stage.

"Mathew's call-up comes after a meteoric rise in the last year, and let's not forget that at this time last season, he was still playing schoolboy rugby for Barnard Castle.

"The amazing confidence he has shown in his short time with us so far, suggests that he can cope with whatever is thrown at him, although we should not forget how far he has come in a short space of time.

"He is only 18-years-old, and must be allowed time to develop at the highest level," added Andrew.

"But, having seen the way he has played for the Falcons this season and the attitude he has demonstrated, I am sure he can make an impact."

Tait and Noon will comprise the England centre partnership on Saturday, taking over from an injured Mike Tindall and an axed Henry Paul, respectively.

Other changes from the team beaten by Australia at Twickenham last November see World Cup scrum-half Matt Dawson recalled instead of Andy Gomarsall, Leicester lock Ben Kay replacing Steve Borthwick and Gloucester flanker Andy Hazell making his first Six Nations start.

England team: J Robinson (Sale Sharks, capt), M Cueto (Sale Sharks), M Tait (Newcastle), J Noon (Newcastle), J Lewsey (Wasps); C Hodgson (Sale Sharks), M Dawson (Wasps); G Rowntree (Leicester), S Thompson (Northampton), J White (Leicester), D Grewcock (Bath), B Kay (Leicester), L Moody (Leicester), A Hazell (Gloucester), J Worsley (Wasps). Replacements: A Titterrell (Sale Sharks), P Vickery (Gloucester), S Borthwick (Bath), J Forrester (Gloucester), H Ellis (Leicester), O Barkley (Bath), B Cohen (Northampton).