How should Tigers line up against Exiles tomorrow?
WHO’S IN AND WHO’S OUT AS OUR EXPERTS DRAW UP THEIR OWN TEAMSHEETS
LEICESTER Tigers go in search of a fourth-consecutive victory to start their Gallagher Premiership season away at London Irish tomorrow.
For the win over Saracens, head coach Steve Borthwick rotated his squad with some big players moved on to the bench - and some removed from the 23-man teamsheet altogether.
But how will the selection look to face the Exiles at the Brentford Community Stadium?
Tigers writers Ethan Clamp (EC) and Bobby Bridge (BB) have shared their thoughts...
WHO REPLACES SUSPENDED DAN KELLY AT INSIDE CENTRE?
EC: Dan Lancaster. The ex-Leeds Tykes fly half/centre is yet to make his Premiership debut but with Dan Kelly’s three-week suspension he could be the perfect replacement to fill his boots.
Although Juan Pablo-Socino had an excellent burst off the bench against Saracens, Lancaster offers that second playmaker role which Kelly usually fills. His ball playing ability and being a solid kicking option will help him slot seamlessly into the inside centre shirt.
The England U20s grand slam winner got recent minutes off the bench in Nottingham’s win over Hartpury last Friday.
BB: Juan Pablo Socino. The Argentinian was hugely impressive from the bench against Saracens and has played the bulk of his Premiership career in the 12 shirt. It might not be a selection that has a long-term view to it but it feels to me like the right call after exciting fans at Mattioli Woods Welford Road upon his Tigers debut.
WHO PARTNERS LANCASTER/ SOCINO AT OUTSIDE CENTRE?
BB: Matt Scott. With Tigers operating without Kelly and presumably Matias Moroni too, it would make sense to see the Scottish centre return to the midfield to face London Irish. That could be at 12 or 13, given his versatility to play both roles.
DOES FREDDIE STEWARD RETURN AT FULL-BACK?
EC: Yes. The towering full-back has surely got to resume his place at 15 after handing over the reins to Freddie Burns last Saturday. Last weekend’s weather meant it was never going to be the game best suited for the starting comeback of Freddie Burns.
The England international fly-half did get caught out of position a couple of times and wasn’t as assured under the high ball as Steward usually is.
With London Irish’s strong kicking game going to be a key battle on Saturday, Tigers will need their rock at the back involved.
WILL DAN COLE START A FOURTH STRAIGHT GAME AT TIGHTHEAD PROP?
EC: No. Dan Cole may be playing some of the best rugby of his career at the moment. But with three starts on the trot, you could see Borthwick wanting to change up his tighthead prop.
Nephi Leatigaga has made two appearances off the bench in the first three rounds on his return from a long-term knee injury.
His obvious carrying threat at being just shy of 150kg is a massive advantage to the pack. With the direct ball-carrying threat being a little light at the moment without the likes of Jasper Wiese and Marco van Staden, a Leatigaga starting role will help create the front foot ball that Tigers want.
WHO WILL BE ON THE WINGS? EC & BB: Harry Potter and Nemani Nadolo. Something that was obvious during the Saracens game was the amount of time their back three seemed to have with the ball upon receiving kicks.
One of the reasons will have been due to the length of the kicks, but Tigers missed the strong kick-chase game that Harry has.
He will more often than not be the leading runner during the kick chase.
The September Premiership player of the month nominee had been in fine form during the first two rounds picking up two tries. You’d expect to see the Australian back in the 14 jersey on Saturday.
Nadolo started the season in formidable fashion before missing out against Saracens. It would be hugely surprising not to see him return to the starting line-up to face the Exiles, rested and recharged from a week off from playing duties.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:
BB: Forwards Nic Dolly, Hanro Liebenberg, George Martin and Tommy Reffell have started every game with Tigers having some key men out at hooker and the back row.
Given the form of Ollie Chessum it wouldn’t be surprising to see him handed a start to rest one of the three candidates above.
Dolly is on fire and Tom CowanDickie is only a short-term signing, the temptation to rotate will be there, but so will sticking to what is working.
EC: Cameron Henderson got his first appearance for the new season off the bench last weekend, making the key lineout call that led to the penalty try.
With Borthwick’s policy for the season seeming to be to keep his locks fresh through rotation. The Scottish second row could be inline to make his first start of the season.
With Irish likely to go with their Australian pair in the second row, the lineout is going to be another key battle. The Hong Kong-born lock’s lineout calling and being a key lineout jumper could be crucial.
WHAT ABOUT THE THE SCRUMHALF SITUATION?
BB: Jack van Poortvliet has started one of the three games so far this season and has looked strong coming from the bench. Should Tigers stick to that plan, or reward him with another start to add to his appearance against Gloucester?
WHO IS YOUR NINE TO FACE LONDON IRISH?
EC: Ben Youngs.
BB: Jack van Poortvliet.
ETHAN’S TEAM CHOICE: Freddie Steward, Harry Potter, Matt Scott, Dan Lancaster, Nemani Nadolo, George Ford, Ben Youngs, Ellis Genge, Nic Dolly, Nephi Leatigaga, Cameron Henderson, Harry Wells, George Martin, Tommy Reffell, Hanro Liebenberg
Replacements: Tom Cowan-Dickie, Francois van Wyk, Dan Cole, Eli Snyman, Ollie Chessum, Jack van Poortvliet, Juan Pablo-Socino, Bryce Hegarty
BOBBY’S TEAM CHOICE: Freddie Steward, Harry Potter, Matt Scott, Juan Pablo Socino, Nemani Nadolo; George Ford, Jack van Poortvliet; Ellis Genge, Nic Dolly, Nephi Leatigaga, Calum Green, Harry Wells, George Martin, Tommy Reffell, Hanro Liebenberg
Replacements: Tom Cowan-Dickie, Francois van Wyk, Dan Cole, Eli Snyman, Ollie Chessum, Ben Youngs, Guy Porter, Freddie Burns