Preview: Leicester v Saracens
Alesana Tuilagi returns to the Leicester Tigers line-up for Saturday's top-of-the-table clash with Saracens in the Guinness Premiership.
Alesana Tuilagi returns to the Leicester Tigers line-up for Saturday's top-of-the-table clash with Saracens in the Guinness Premiership.
The Samoan winger was ruled out of the wins over Newcastle Falcons and Harlequins, but returns for the final game of the regular Guinness Premiership season.
It's a possible win-or-bust for Saracens, for whom defeat here ends any chance they have of a home semi-final – if Northampton win, their chances are gone anyway.
Jeremy Staunton steps up to start at fly-half for the Tigers, and internationals George Chuter and Martin Castrogiovanni come into the front row in the only other changes following the win over Quins which guaranteed Tigers a home semi-final.
Jordan Crane returns from injury to take a place among the replacements and Sam Vesty is called up after proving his match fitness in the Development XV.
Tigers head coach Richard Cockerill said: “Saracens are a good team, they're well coached and they've had some good results, especially in the win at Northampton. They could still finish second and take a home semi-final too.
“But we have everything to play for as well because we want to go into the semi-finals on a good run and with a bit of confidence, and that comes from winning games and performing at your best.”
Saracens coach Brendan Venter admits he is looking forward to the challenge of testing his side against the league leaders.
He said: “We're in a good position of going to Leicester knowing that we have already secured a place in the semi-finals. We know we are playing Northampton Saints – it's just a case of where. We will go to Welford Road looking to win the game and then we will see what happens. We have said all season that Leicester are a side that sets the trend and the game will be a good test for us to see how far we have come.”
In team news ahead of the game, Chris Wyles returns from a rib injury to start at full-back in place of Alex Goode who broke a thumb two weeks ago but is expected to be available for the semi-finals. Richard Haughton also returns on the wing.
On the bench, scrum half Moses Rauluni is set to make his 100th appearance for Saracens.
Form: Leicester have won their last four encounters against Saracens, whilst Sarries have never won at Welford Road in 32 previous visits in all competitions. Leicester Tigers have already secured top spot in the Guinness Premiership and a playoff spot for a sixth successive season. The Tigers are bidding to go through an entire Premiership campaign unbeaten at home for the fifth time. Saracens will meet Northampton in the Guinness Premiership semi-finals, but need to win this game to give themselves any chance of that match being played on home soil. Sarries have already won five games on the road this season, including their last two trips, to Sale and Northampton.
The teams:
Leicester Tigers: 15 Geordan Murphy (c), 14 Scott Hamilton, 13 Matt Smith, 12 Anthony Allen, 11 Alesana Tuilagi, 10 Jeremy Staunton, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Craig Newby, 7 Lewis Moody, 6 Tom Croft, 5 Ben Kay, 4 Geoff Parling, 3 Martin Castrogiovanni, 2 George Chuter, 1 Marcos Ayerza.
Replacements: 16 Joe Duffey, 17 Dan Cole, 18 Boris Stankovich, 19 Jordan Crane, 20 Ben Woods, 21 James Grindal, 22 Sam Vesty, 23 Johne Murphy.
Saracens: 15 Chris Wyles, 14 Richard Haughton, 13 Adam Powell, 12 Brad Barritt, 11 Michael Tagicakibau, 10 Glen Jackson, 9 Neil de Kock, 8 Ernst Joubert, 7 Andy Saull, 6 Jacques Burger, 5 Mouritz Botha, 4 Hugh Vyvyan, 3 Petrus du Plessis, 2 Schalk Brits, 1 Matias Aguero.
Replacements: 16 Fabio Ongaro, 17 Rhys Gill, 18 Richard Skuse, 19 Tom Ryder, 20 Justin Melck, 21 Moses Rauluni, 22 Derick Hougaard, 23 Kameli Ratuvou.
Date: Saturday, May 8
Venue: Welford Road:
Kick-off: 15.00 BST