Youngs: Cheika’s talking rubbish, Dan’s best in world
TOM Youngs expects under-fire prop Dan Cole to lead the way for Leicester in do-or-die Champions Cup matches against Munster over the next fortnight.
England tight-head Cole returns to Tigers with criticism from Michael Cheika ringing in his ears, the Australia head coach having accused the 69-Test veteran of “scrummaging illegally since he started, boring in, breaking his bind and falling over.”
Youngs, right, who has partnered Cole countless times, told The Rugby Paper: “Dan Cole’s the cleanest scrummager out there – the No.1 tight-head in world rugby without question.
“I know Coley extremely well having gone through the Tigers academy with him and we’re not taught to cheat, we’re taught to be honest, stay square and keep going forward.
“You don’t want to be going in at the angle or hitting the floor with Richard Cockerill breathing over you. That doesn’t happen here and there’s no tight-head I’d rather pack down with going to Munster than Dan.”
Leicester’s Champions Cup hopes hang in the balance but they boast the enviable record of having twice beaten Munster on their own patch, with an historic 13-6 victory in 2007 followed by last season’s pulsating 31-19 win at iconic Thomond Park. However, Youngs is wary of a side still running high on emotion following the tragic death in October of popular head coach Anthony Foley. Youngs said: “What happened with Anthony was absolutely horrendous for them and the game. I can only imagine what they went through, but to come back and play against Glasgow the way they did was outstanding and they’ve played very well since then.
“They’re obviously really putting it in for each other and we’ll probably go there as underdogs, so we’ll have to front up and really battle it out.
“Leicester have done well at Thomond Park and it’s an awesome place to go, but they’re a different kettle of fish this year and are top of the PRO12. Losing heavily at Glasgow has put pressure on us to keep winning now to keep our hopes alive, but these are the sort of challenges we’ll enjoy.”
Youngs, 29, has relished the captaincy at Leicester and, despite being discarded by England boss Eddie Jones, believes he still has a Test future.
“Definitely, I’ll never give up on that and it’s all about opportunity,” Youngs said.
“England are playing well and with Dylan Hartley being captain it makes it harder because you’re just fighting for one bench spot, but I’ve been happy with my form for Tigers and hopefully I can earn a white jersey again.
“I’m enjoying the captaincy and the responsibility that goes with it here, so that won’t do me any harm and I’ve just got to keep playing well.”
Youngs admits his hopes of a second Lions tour are receding, though, adding: “You probably need to be playing international rugby to be selected for that New Zealand trip, but I’m determined to give myself the best chance.”