LEICESTER

The Tigers’ title credentials were called into question when they were well-beaten last season in the semi-finals of both the European Cup and the Premiership. Leicester were given dusting by the Racing 92 pack, and then they came a distant second to Saracens at Allianz Park.

The counterpoint is the least Leicester had the quality to make the last four of both competitions – and they have added to their firepower over the summer

The signing of Wallaby play-maker Matt Toomua and Springbok try ace JP Pietersen, as well as that of Sale flyer Tom Brady, suggests that head coach Aaron Mauger still intends to use every blade of grass at Welford Road as an attacking stage.

Throw Telusa Veainu’s brilliant counter-attacking into the picture, and the arrival of front row cover in the form of Ellis Genge, George McGuigan and Pat Cilliers and the Leicester mix is looking more potent than it did last campaign.

It will be enhanced by Tom Youngs’ return as captain after injury, and he will be on a mission to prove he merits the England recall he has been gifted.

Set against that, the Tigers forwards are a work in progress – the back five in particular – and has to regain the authority it once had.