LV semi v Chiefs

[tigerburnie]

Team selection thoughts? Do we go with those we have or do we go strong? On the Exeter forum someone said "most" of last weeks starting side have been given the week off, they don't think the side will be loaded.
I've seen suggested pool of players that looks strong enough to win at home without us using players that could do with a break, maybe any coming back from injury might get a go off the bench?

[drc_007]

I presume Tigers will release those selected for the U20 matches this weekend?

[Tigerbeat]

Cockers was saying that there was no release for the U20s back to the clubs.

[MrPartridge]

On the Exeter forum someone said "most" of last weeks starting side have been given the week off, they don't think the side will be loaded.

Wry smile… I said a few weeks back that Exeter wouldn't bring their strongest team and the majority disagreed. We all know that while winning the LV would be nice, top 2/4 is the real priority. We can't play Freddie IMHO… and now Croft misses the season we'll have to be careful with the likes of Salvi and Gibson. I expect a mix of 1st XV and others. Hopefully a match to help the likes of Scully, Loamanu and Camacho (?) get some much needed game time...

[tigerburnie]

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,2588 ... 50,00.html

This seems to confirm that the top 4 is their priority, but is it all smoke and mirrors?

[smell.com]

So if buts and maybe's.
we beat chiefs saints beat saffas final @franklin gardens home advantage then !! or will it be moved to larger stadium ? (Welford road).thoughts

[InGuinnessVeritas]

So if buts and maybe's.
we beat chiefs saints beat saffas final @franklin gardens home advantage then !! or will it be moved to larger stadium ? (Welford road).thoughts

The final will not be moved.

[ourla]

I don't care what the Chiefs do tbh.

This competition is not our priority. We've had a tough block of 4 games and players who have played for a large chunk of those should be rested. Our youngsters and lower ranked players have done a great job thus far and we are at home. By all means mix in some first teamers that are lacking game time, as we've done all the way through. No reason to change tack now.

[kpj tiger]

I expect a mixed team but still favoring youth, something a long these lines

1. Bristow
2. Thacker
3. Balmain
4. De Chaves
5. Peterson
6. Whetton
7. Barbieri/Gibson
8. Pearce
9. Harrison
10. Bell/Bryant
11. Benjamin
12. Hepetema
13. Catchpole
14. Loamanu
15. Scully/Bell

16. Brugnara
17. Briggs
18. Pasquali
19. Price/Maksymiw
20. Priestley-Nangle?
21. Mele
22. Bryant
23. Morris

[Rykard]

isn't morris injured? wrist?

[Tigerbeat]

Expect Harrison to be put on the bench.

[Jumbo]

Here's the confirmed team:

Leicester Tigers (v Exeter Chiefs, Welford Road, Sunday 1pm)
15 Blaine Scully
14 Matt Smith
13 George Catchpole
12 Christian Loamanu
11 Miles Benjamin
10 Tommy Bell
9 David Mele
1 Michele Rizzo
2 Harry Thacker
3 Fraser Balmain
4 Brad Thorn
5 Sebastian De Chaves (c)
6 Jack Whetton
7 Robert Barbieri
8 Laurence Pearce

Replacements
16 Neil Briggs
17 Tom Bristow
18 Logovi'i Mulipola
19 Tom Price
20 Julian Salvi
21 Sam Harrison
22 Terrence Hepetema
23 Adam Thompstone

[Rykard]

looks a good mixed of youth and experience.
be interesting to see who exeter put out.

[JackFlashJonny]

Interesting team I look forward to seeing if Loamanu is going to be the player we hoped he was..

Hoping for decent weather as this team looks like it could play!

Now intrigued to see the team Exeter have picked..

[Iain]

Strong side! Should be good enough to see us through.