Exeter v Tigers - 24th December 2016

[Tigerbeat]

Exeter Chiefs v Leicester Tigers (Sandy Park, 3pm)
Referee: Tom Foley (28th Premiership game)
Assistant Referees: Ross Campbell & Phil Watters
TMO: David Rose

[fleabane]

I wondered when we would start talking about this coming weekend!

It will be a tough ask, with Exeter just starting to play well again whilst we hobble from game to game. Our chances rest on how much of a first choice team we can put out, dependent on injuries.

[Spicer]

It will likely be the same team as last match. This will be tough.

[Tigerbeat]

Defensively Tigers have been alot better of late and if they play with the same intensity as last week it should be a good game......and close!

[GS]

Ah, the if word. If only we could get rid of that word when talking about up coming games.........

[sapajo]

Defensively Tigers have been alot better of late and if they play with the same intensity as last week it should be a good game......and close!

Only a close win cuts it for me, sincerely hope we have not priorily decided our best effort shall be an LBP?

[Noddy555]

Yes Spicer I agree this match followed by the home match will be pivotal to our season. Two wins and the future looks bright, two defeats and then it begins to look bleak. Yes I know what all of you are going to say that championships are not decided over the Christmas and New Year period, but our participation in the end of season play-offs may well be.

[GS]

Plus if we lose the next 2 games it does rather suggest that even if we end in the top 4 a semi final loss is the prospect - again.

[Hot_Charlie]

Plus if we lose the next 2 games it does rather suggest that even if we end in the top 4 a semi final loss is the prospect - again.

Still puts the team ahead of 8 other teams in the league. Not a bad position for an underperforming team in a crisis.

[fleabane]

So the players are doing a good job?

[jgriffin]

This is an awful fixture given its importance and the stupid date/time for travelling support (I have two places to stay within a mile but not on Xmas Eve!). Both Tigers and Chiefs are struggling and inconsistent, but I'd be perfectly happy with an LBP (and no TBP for Chiefs) and a win on NYD against Saffas.

[GS]

Plus if we lose the next 2 games it does rather suggest that even if we end in the top 4 a semi final loss is the prospect - again.

Still puts the team ahead of 8 other teams in the league. Not a bad position for an underperforming team in a crisis.

Even I think crisis might be a bit strong, but ask me again in a month.

In the mean time, and focusing on the next game, it will be interesting with so many factors acting on it. Playing away in front of a full house and an injury list that you could build a pretty good team from doesn't prompt great confidence. Add to this whatever the feeling is like at Oval Park, or whatever it is that produces a dismal performance one week followed by a gutsy display of determination the next. I feel the team that is picked is almost secondary to the attitude they go out with.

A shame it's not on the tele, I quite fancy an afternoon in the pub. Especially after it I probably wouldn't know the result or even care - hic.

[Soggypitch]

It will likely be the same team as last match. This will be tough.

Dan Cole is fit according to Cockers. Likewise Burns.

I would love a win, but above all want to see a gutsy display away from home, something that has been lacking all too often this season.

[Jumbo]

No Youngs.

Leicester Tigers (v Exeter Chiefs, away, Saturday 3.00pm)
15 Freddie Burns
14 Adam Thompstone
13 Jack Roberts
12 Manu Tuilagi
11 Peter Betham
10 Owen Williams
9 Sam Harrison
1 Ellis Genge
2 George McGuigan
3 Pat Cilliers
4 Ed Slater (c)
5 Mike Fitzgerald
6 Mike Williams
7 Brendon O'Connor
8 Luke Hamilton

Replacements
16 Harry Thacker
17 Logovi'i Mulipola
18 Dan Cole
19 Graham Kitchener
20 Will Evans
21 Jono Kitto
22 George Worth
23 Tom Brady

[Brianf]

The Exeter Chiefs side is, (from their website)

15 Phil Dollman
14 Jack Nowell
13 Ollie Devoto
12 Henry Slade
11 Olly Woodburn
10 Gareth Steenson (capt)
9 Will Chudley
1 Ben Moon
2 Jack Yeandle
3 Tomas Francis
4 Mitch Lees
5 Jonny Hill
6 Dave Dennis
7 Don Armand
8 Thomas Waldrom
16 Luke Cowan-Dickie
17 Carl Rimmer
18 Greg Holmes
19 Ollie Atkins
20 Kai Horstmann
21 Jack Maunder
22 Sam Hill
23 James Short