Shane Geraghty's first four kicks in this game have helped contribute 14 points. 

Just as it all seems to be kicking off right at the start of the second half at the Madejski, it's worth letting you know that we're also under way at the Ricoh Arena.

Worryingly for London Irish fans, fly-half Chris Noakes left the field with his arm in a make-shift brace and he will play no further part in this game, so it's Shane Geraghty who gets the second half under way. 

Worcester Warriors scrum-half Charlie Mulchrone will make his first Premiership start, one of several enforced changes.

Winger Bryce Heem has returned to New Zealand to get married, allowing another opportunity for Tom Biggs on the right wing.

Image source, BBC Sport

Replacements: Sowrey, Bower, Milasinovich, O'Shea, Mama, Baldwin, Eden, Howard.

Wasps have made six changes for the Midlands 'derby' at home to Worcester.

Left winger Josh Bassett returns, with Sailosi Tagicakibau on the right, while lock Kearnan Myall and ex-Warriors hooker Edd Shervington both come in.

Dai Young was forced to announce two further team changes on Saturday, with Josh Bassett and Charles Piutau both having to withdraw because of hamstring and groin injuries respectively.

Frank Halai will start on the wing and Rob Miller comes in at full-back.

Image source, BBC Sport

Replacements: Johnson, McIntyre, Swainston, Davies, Thompson, Robson, Jackson, Macken.

Newcastle win the scrum but kick away possession and back come London Irish - but they struggle for space on the blind-side and Asaeli Tikoirotuma is bundled into touch for half-time. 

Image source, Rex Features

London Irish win the line-out and go through the phases, they're well inside Newcastle's 22m and get to within 5m but eventually they are pushed back and penalised for a forward pass. Another waste of decent territory. 

Just a few minutes left in this half as Irish find some space on the left wing after a strong break from Alex Lewington but Topsy Ojo cannot get away from his fellow wing and the ball is in touch. 

Luke Narraway is penalised for entering a maul from the side and Newcastle have a penalty, which Craig Willis sends wide of the posts. 

Topsy Ojo has made an absolute mess of a grubber kick and Newcastle are claiming a try, but having consulted the Television Match official, Chris Harris is penalised for a knock on as he attempted to ground his kick through. Huge let off. 

Newcastle concede another penalty from a scrum, their second of the game, and this time Chris Noakes makes no mistake from in front of the posts. 

While the match in Reading pits 11th against 12, it's ninth versus 10th at the Ricoh this afternoon...

London Irish win the line-out but the maul is static, so they try to recycle the ball and go through some phases - but a handling error surrenders possession and the chance is wasted.

Lots of tactical kicking at the Madejski, which is not easy on the eye but understandable given the magnitude of the game. Meanwhile, Irish have a penalty just over halfway and Chris Noakes kicks his side to inside Newcastle's 22. 

Image source, Rex Features

London Irish break through the Newcastle midfield through Alex Lewington but the ball is spilled as it is recycled out to the three-quarters. However, Newcastle are penalised for offside but Chris Noakes drags his kick wide of the posts. 

Newcastle look to have the early advantage in the scrum and they win a free-kick, which is taken quickly but after going through the three-quarters they are penalised for a forward pass and the Exiles survive.