Aled proving a good fit to get Cole fired up
DAN COLE has revealed a World Cup-winning Springbok coach is helping him roll back the years for table-topping Leicester.
The tighthead prop is at the top of his game at 34 and reckons it’s down to a bloke who broke his heart in 2019.
Welshman Aled Walters was fitness coach for South
Africa when they walloped England,
Cole included, 32-12 in the World Cup Final in Yokohama.
Walters was headhunted by Tigers boss Steve Borthwick last year and Cole, who won 95 caps, is reaping the benefits.
He said: “One of Aled’s greatest strengths is the fact the physical side of the training we do is integrated into the rugby side, whereas previously S&C were weights and fitness and then you play rugby over here.
“Everything we do now, the game is at the top of the hierarchy and then everything else feeds into your performance on the weekend.”
Cole retains his starting spot as Tigers host Newcastle at Welford Road with a perfect 10 from 10 in the league.
They had a narrow escape at Bristol on Boxing Day when Guy Porter’s 84th-minute try pulled a 28-26 win out of the fire.
But Cole has urged them to put this one to bed early.
He added: “It would be nice if we could do that early in the game so we don’t have to rely on last-second bits of magic.” That try was sparked by George Ford who makes his 100th start for Leicester while Porter, a replacement last Sunday, starts on the wing.
Leicester legend Dean Richards brings Newcastle back to his old manor boasting five wins this season.
The Falcons have Mike Brown starting at full-back in his 250th Premiership appearance, with skipper Will Welch retuning in the back row.
Newcastle have not played since December 10 because of a bye week and a Covid cancellation.
Marcus Smith returns at fly-half for Harlequins against Gloucester after missing Big Game 13 on Boxing Day.
He had a positive Covid test before the 41-27 win over Northampton in front of 72,000 at Twickenham but has now got the all-clear.
Gloucester have Louis Rees-zammit on one wing but Jonny May is still out so Ollie Thorley steps in.
Ruan Ackermann, at No.8, makes his 100th appearance for the Cherry and Whites who have won their last three in the Premiership.
Jamie George starts his bid for a
Six Nations spot by making his first start for Saracens against Northampton since England’s win over Australia in November.
Prop Vincent Koch is out after a positive Covid test so Harvey Beaton starts.