Preview: Leicester v Bristol
Ireland full-back Geordan Murphy returns to the Tigers starting line up for this Saturday's must-win Guinness Premiership clash with Bristol at Welford Road.
Ireland full-back Geordan Murphy returns to the Tigers starting line up for this Saturday's must-win Guinness Premiership clash with Bristol at Welford Road.
The 29-year-old hasn't appeared in Tigers colours since the win over Leeds Carnegie on March 1 due to an injury picked up on international duty against Scotland a week later.
Tom Varndell, Julian White and Tom Croft all retain their places from Tuesday's clash with Bath, while England and Lions second row Ben Kay starts his third match in eight days.
Club captain Martin Corry comes into the second row, with Jordan Crane and Croft starting at number eight and blindside flanker respectively.
“Saturday's game is obviously very important for us,” said head coach Marcelo Loffreda.
“We know we need to win if we want to have an opportunity of competing for a play-off place.
“Everyone is keen to put in a good performance and to get the points we need. Each of our remaining games is massive for us and we know what has to be done.
“Bristol are a tough side to play against and we know they will want to test us at Welford Road. They always have a very strong pack and they will be ready for a tough game.”
Meanwhile Bristol, as widely predicted, have announced several changes to their line-up to face the Tigers.
It has been revealed this week that a few regulars, including skipper Matt Salter, have now played their last game of the season and are being given an extra few weeks off to prepare for next season.
In addition, winger Tom Arscott and back row forward Joe El Abd have both been booked in for minor surgery in a bid to get them both back in action as soon as possible.
As a result, Lee Robinson returns on the right wing in place of Tom Arscott for his first start since the victory over Gloucester on February 17.
The other significant change in the backline sees a full Premiership debut for centre Luke Eves who turned 19 only last Friday.
In the pack, Peter Bracken will also make his first start in the Premiership for the club and there are recalls for Mariano Sambucetti, Iain Grieve and Andrew Blowers.
Academy hooker Ryan Prosser, who recently signed a senior deal with the club, is named amongst the replacements. Alfie To'oala returns after injury and Graeme Beveridge features for the first time since January.
Leicester may have slipped from second to sixth place in the table over the past month but they'll still present a stiff challenge according to Assistant Coach Paul Hull.
“Welford Road has always been a difficult place to play but, as players and coaches, you look forward to these types of challenge.”
“Leicester will no doubt name a strong side and be looking for the points as they need a win to stay in play off contention. They've had to rotate their side in the past week or so as they've had a tough fixture schedule.”
“But they've got an outstanding squad and a fantastic home record and not many teams go to Welford Road and win.”
“But we haven't spoken about that this week, we've just focussed on ourselves. We're going up there with a slightly different side and quite a few of the boys haven't played there so won't have any hang ups about the venue.”
“We've got some young players in the squad and they're there on merit. These players have been playing outstandingly well for the United, have been knocking on the door and have earned their places. They deserve their opportunity.”
Form: In the last month Leicester Tigers have slipped from 2nd to 6th place in the Guinness Premiership table, gaining just 12 league points from their last seven encounters. Tigers were defeated 19-24 by Wasps last time out at Welford Road and have only once before lost back to back Premiership matches at home: to Sale and Northampton in October 2003. Bristol Rugby have slipped to three straight Guinness Premiership reversals since beating Newcastle 28-8 at Kingston Park on 16 March. Bristol have however won two of their last three away matches. Leicester have won four of the last five matches against Bristol, whilst the west countrymen's only victory at Welford Road in their last 17 visits over the last 21 years was in the Zurich Championship quarter finals in May 2002.
Leicester Tigers: 15 Geordan Murphy, 14 Tom Varndell, 13 Dan Hipkiss, 12 Aaron Mauger, 11 Alesana Tuilagi, 10 Andy Goode, 9 Harry Ellis, 8 Jordan Crane, 7 Ben Herring, 6 Tom Croft, 5 Ben Kay, 4 Martin Corry (c), 3 Julian White, 2 Mefin Davies, 1 Martin Castrogiovanni.
Replacements: 16 Benjamin Kayser, 17 Marcos Ayerza, 18 Richard Blaze, 19 Brett Deacon, 20 Frank Murphy, 21 Ian Humphreys, 22 Ayoola Erinle.
Bristol: 15 Luke Arscott, 14 Lee Robinson, 13 Neil Brew, 12 Luke Eves, 11 David Lemi, 10 Ed Barnes, 9 Shaun Perry (c), 8 Dan Ward-Smith, 7 Andrew Blowers, 6 Iain Grieve, 5 Sean Hohneck, 4 Mariano Sambucetti, 3 Peter Bracken, 2 Scott Linklater, 1 Darren Crompton.
Replacements: 16 Ryan Prosser, 17 Alex Clarke, 18 Nathan Budgett, 19 Alfie To'oala, 20 Graeme Beveridge, 21 Jason Strange, 22 Rob Higgitt.
Date: Saturday, April 19
Venue: Welford Road
Kick-off: 15:00 BST (14:00 GMT)
Referee: Dean Richards
Touch judges: Alan Hughes, Martin Buck
Assessor: Colin High
Television match official: Brian Abrahams