Leicester player ratings: English fly-half gets in Elliot Daly’s head while wingers have ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ afternoon
Leicester player ratings as England stars shine
Following a 36-28 victory against Saracens in front of a packed Mattioli Woods Welford Road crowd on Sunday, here’s our Leicester Tigers player ratings.
Backs
15 Freddie Steward: The England star was in fine form, looking calm and composed as he marshalled the skies. He made a huge aerial take in the opening minutes, coming down with snow on his ears and looked incredibly comfortable when he had the ball in hand. He took his try well, but did quieten down as the game went on. Was guilty of launching the ball into touch when tackled by Rotimi Segun late in the match. But overall, a solid performance. 7
14 Adam Radwan: Once again, questions need to be asked why the former Newcastle star has never been given an extended chance in the England squad. His first real action of the game was to break the line and bounce Elliot Daly into 2027. His second big impact was a huge tackle on the giant Theo McFarland. He would end up with two tries, three scored. The first was a terrific winger’s dive over in the corner. Pure gas to score his second after running a great line off Jack van Poortvliet – even if it was eventually ruled out for a knock-on by the scrum half. His final try was a 60 metre sprint after picking off a pass from Saracens scrum-half Ivan van Zyl. 8
13 Will Wand: A late addition to the starting line-up after Izaia Perese pulled out. He won a great couple of turnovers on the floor and threatened greatly in attack. Unlucky to be held up over the line in the first half, especially after proving incredibly elusive with the ball in hand. 7
12 Orlando Bailey: Incredibly confident performance, taking on the number 12 jersey for only the second time in his professional career. Apart from one forced offload near the start of the match, he was infallible. He showed powerful leg drives to storm through contact and looked incredibly settled in his role. Completed a remarkable 15 tackles in what has to be one of the most complete performances of his career. 8
11 Ollie Hassell-Collins: If Radwan was Jekyll, then Hassell-Collins was Hyde. He missed three tackles, was barely involved, and when he did finally get some ball, he either slipped or put in an awful kick. The former London Irish star looked incredibly short on confidence. 2
10 Billy Searle: Put in a brilliant grubber for Steward to score Leicester’s first try, then moments later was the architect of a pinpoint accurate nudge to the corner to find touch from open play. Will kick himself for being held up after skating over the line for what should have been a guaranteed try. Caught flat by Jamie George, causing a charge-down, but was fortunately not punished. He later took a huge late hit from Daly after kicking the ball through for Radwan’s try, and then took another battering from McFarland in the tackle. Wound the out-of-sorts Daly up after his “cheap shot” earlier in the match. 8
9 Jack van Poortvliet: Marshalled the attack well, but did make a couple of odd decisions, including a kick through straight into the hands of the Leicester defence. Knocked the ball on early into the second half, which ruled out Radwan’s try. 6
Forwards
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8 Olly Cracknell: He led the carry charts for Leicester with 11 despite being brought off at half time. His powerful runs amounted to 40 metres, with his efforts being rewarded with a try. 7
7 Sam Williams: The young flanker put his body about, but struggled with the physicality of the occasion at times. Despite completing 13 tackles, he missed four and gave away three penalties, including a silly one in the ruck, which eventually led to a try. 4
6 James Thompson: Missed a clear-out early on, which led to the first chance on goal for Saracens. From then on, he was solid, making his tackles, but could have got more involved in the attack. 6
5 Ollie Chessum: Made a great break to kick off Leicester’s bonus point try. He was also the lineout maestro and one of the Tigers’ most important carrying options. 7
4 Cameron Henderson: Tackled hard with a team high of 17 completed. Also performed well in the lineout, proving that he can mix it with the best, 7
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3 Joe Heyes: Tackled well and got the bonus point try for Leicester. In the scrummage, he was solid and left everything out on the field. 7
2 Jamie Blamire: Showed great hands to set up the first real attack. Brilliantly dragged Nick Tompkins back over his try-line to stop a dangerous Saracens attack. He did give away a penalty by going in at the side, but otherwise he was terrific, and boasted a perfect lineout. 8
1 Nicky Smith: The experienced Welsh prop scrummed hard and did the dirty work when required. Nothing too special, but nothing to complain about either. 6
Replacements: Emeka Ilione made a huge impact when he came on. He won multiple turnovers, was a constant threat around the ruck. Gabriel Hamer-Webb also made his presence felt against a tiring Saracens defence. 7