England star Mathew Tait has relived the horror tackle that could have ended his season and revealed: "I still can't remember the hit".
Tait was knocked out by a challenge from Harlequins' South African centre De Wet Barry during Newcastle's 15-9 Guinness Premiership defeat at the Twickenham Stoop two weeks ago.
Barry was sent off but then found not guilty of foul play when he appeared before Rugby Football Union disciplinary chiefs.
Tait regained full fitness in time for the Falcons' European Challenge Cup demolition of French challengers Castres last weekend and he remains at full-back against Premiership opponents London Irish tomorrow.
But he admitted: ''I still can't remember the hit, or most of that day to be honest, but looking back on the video it obviously wasn't the best.
''I did all the relevant concussion tests and passed them before last weekend's game, so from that point of view I feel fine now.
''It (the tackle) didn't hurt at all, because I was out cold before I even hit the floor.
''The doctor tells me it is better to be knocked out than not, because you don't lose as much of your memory and you recover quicker than if you stay conscious the whole time.''
Tait's appearance in the Newcastle number 15 shirt, meanwhile, could become a regular sight with Newcastle boss Steve Bates taking a close look at him as Falcons' last line of defence.
Even though injuries have sidelined England centres Jamie Noon and Toby Flood for the Irish clash, Bates has resisted any temptation to switch Tait into his more familiar midfield role.
Tait added: ''I've been backwards and forwards a bit between 13 and 15, mainly because of injuries elsewhere in the side, but Batesy has decided he wants a good look at me as a full-back.
''It is a position I am still learning but I felt last weekend went well and I am confident of putting in another good performance on Sunday.
''Both positions ask very different questions of you really.
''At 13, you tend to be the last man in the defensive line, so you have a huge responsibility in that sense, whereas at 15, you are more involved in organising the people in front because you're more able to see the whole picture.
''I am enjoying learning as a full-back and it can only make me a better player no matter which position I eventually end up playing.''
Heineken Cup semi-finalists Irish will arrive at Kingston Park with qualification for next season's showpiece European event high on their agenda.
Irish, unless they win the tournament this term, are likely to need a top-six Premiership finish to confirm their place in 2008/2009. They currently lie eighth.
Exiles rugby director Brian Smith said: ''With four Premiership games to play, we believe we can secure a sufficiently high league position to be among the qualifiers.
''Sunday's game is very important if we are to succeed in reaching our objective.''
Leeds Carnegie will be relegated from the Premiership tomorrow if they fail to collect a point against Headingley visitors Harlequins and Worcester's result at Wasps does not work out in the Yorkshire club's favour.
With Wasps expected to beat an injury-hit Worcester side though, Leeds' fate will probably be delayed until next weekend when they visit Premiership leaders Gloucester.
Leeds have recorded just two wins in 18 league starts this term, while their last Premiership outing produced a 66-7 defeat against Saracens.
And it did not get any better in Europe seven days ago as Bath inflicted a 57-5 drubbing on them.
Leeds rugby director Stuart Lancaster said: ''We have obviously struggled with injuries and form, coming up against two sides playing at the top of their game.
''But the players recognise the need to remain truly competitive in these last four league games.''
Harlequins and England wing David Strettle could return from a foot injury that ended his RBS 6 Nations campaign in the opening game against Wales on February 2.
Strettle is on the bench for title play-off challengers Quins, where he is joined by Test colleagues Andy Gomarsall and Nick Easter.