In reality, Tigers have little chance but you never know

LEICESTER Tigers re-enter the premier European competition, the Champions Cup, with an away game at the current leaders of the Pro 14, Bordeaux-Begles.

Of course, the fact that Leicester have been absent from this competition for two years was another indication of how the previously mighty had fallen and was, frankly, almost a source of shame for the club, having never previously failed to qualify for the top level in Europe.

Make no mistake, Bordeaux will be the best team that Leicester have faced this season. Let’s put this into perspective.

There was talk about the injury boost that the Tigers received with the news that the current French fly-half Matthieu Jalibert picked up an injury in Bordeaux’s win over the giants of Toulouse.

In order to replace him, they will be forced to play 66-times capped French international Francois

Trinh-Duc, probably the best French fly-half over the last decade, and a player who, if anyone in England could afford him, would be a highprofile marquee signing.

He has only played twice for his club since joining at the start of the season.

Exeter coach Rob Baxter made the point earlier in the week that the English salary cap, as necessary as it is for the health of the English game, will make it incredibly difficult for the domestic clubs to succeed in Europe, and right there is an example of why.

Money may not guarantee success, but it certainly helps.

The popularity of the game in France, and the eye-watering TV deal that goes with it, should mean French success follows.

Steve Borthwick has selected a squad team for the trip, notably resting Freddie Steward, Ben Youngs and Dan Cole, as well as two-thirds of his South African back row trio.

It is a testament to the way in which the coach has developed his squad that the team could not be described as weak, and some of the young players appearing give the team a genuinely exciting look.

Jack van Poortvliet will relish the opportunity to take on the French, as will Ollie Chessum and George Martin – Tigers boast some of the most exciting young talent in the Premiership to gain experience on the biggest stage.

In reality, Leicester should have very little chance in this game, but any hint of complacency by the home side, and they could still pull off a shock.

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