Sarries, Sat 11th March - AWC semi-final

[ABClub]

A trip to Allianz Park, not ideal.

Shazam almost certain to be unavailable hence losing an excellent leader for a tough trip, balls.

Getting to play Sarries on an international weekend, no better time.

A chance to throw our passionate youngsters into a knockout game and light a fire in the squad, yes please.

I'd like to see a strong squad with younger players who have earned selection given a chance - most importantly Harry Thacker, Wells, Catchpole and Worth. Betts also deserves a place in the squad and decent game time.

1.Genge
2.McGuigan
3.Cilliers
4.Barrow (c)
5.Wells
6.Croft
7.Thacker (v.c)
8.McCaffery

9.Kitto
10.Burns

11.Catchpole
12.Mermoz
13.Roberts/Smith
14.Betham
15.Worth

16.Bateman
17.Betts
18.Maksymiw/Kitchener
19.Williams
20.Hamilton
21.White
22.Williams
23.Brady

For the sake of full front row cover Thacker can be named our second hooker same as the last round of AWC games. If injury strikes there's also the option of Bateman at hooker with Harry throwing in. That would give us a big front row to pressure Brits.

[LE18]

Sorry to be negative but I cannot see us winning this, we had our chance to beat them in the last round, everything is against us, yes go on say it, it was an International team week last time and we took a wrong decision when we had them on the run in the scrum. Always a first time I suppose but bet the bookies are giving us very little chance.

[tigerburnie]

One question, do send a team like this or do we make last weeks team put things right before the Prem kicks in? Just askin'

[ABClub]

One question, do send a team like this or do we make last weeks team put things right before the Prem kicks in? Just askin'

I'd rather see the likes of Thacker, Wells, Catchpole, Worth and Betts put pressure on last weeks side for their places personally. Some more competition and fire in the squad is needed in my opinion.

[Ian Cant]

I know many will not agree but I would put out a decent pack to have some practice at attacking mauls and defending them. Why. Well at the moment I can only see one result at Saints: a hammering against their returning internationals. Yes we may get injuries but nothing new there! There has been plenty of rest for most of our squad so let us target winning every game. Sarries, Exeter and Quins are not calling this the Mickey Mouse Cup. In fact that is what has made Sarries and Exeter such forces: every game matters. This was Pat Howard's attitude and we as a club need to get that back: QUICK. ALL GAMES MATTER.

[LE18]

Agree Ian, I would like to see us put out the scrum we finished with in the last game when we had them on toast, but I doubt Sarries will select their same scrum, I expect them to select almost a first team minus internationals, we came so close last time but cannot see us winning this one. Miracles do happen however.

[Noddy555]

I do so hope we continue with our policy of blooding our youngsters in this team, which concurs with the ethos of the Anglo/Welsh trophy, Despite the importance of this match to our season, I'm still looking forward to the renewed partnership of Wells & Barrow at lock and a couple of youngsters at centre in front of fullback George Worth. If Saracens adopt the same policy it should lead to an exciting match. Most of Sarries star players are away on international duty including the brothers Vinipola.

[Scott1]

Sarries win. Nothing to see here,move along please!

[Noddy555]

Scott 1 I'd love to see your humble apology after Tigers win!

[Scott1]

I will be the first to apologise mate!

[tigerburnie]

If we go on tradition, then in the past all the teams put their best side out once they realise they might win something, semi final equals best available side to start, maybe some young "finishers" on the bench if we must.

[Jumbo]

Strong team

Leicester Tigers (v Saracens, away, Saturday 6.00pm)
15 George Worth
14 Tom Brady
13 Mathew Tait (c)
12 Jack Roberts
11 JP Pietersen
10 Freddie Burns
9 Jono Kitto
1 Ellis Genge
2 George McGuigan
3 Fraser Balmain
4 Harry Wells
5 Graham Kitchener
6 Luke Hamilton
7 Harry Thacker
8 Lachlan McCaffrey

Replacements
16 Tom Croft
17 Michele Rizzo
18 Greg Bateman
19 Joe Maksymiw
20 Will Owen
21 Ben White
22 Owen Williams
23 Charlie Thacker

[Jumbo]

Saracens side to face Leicester Tigers

15 Matt Gallagher (11)
14 Mike Ellery (37)
13 Tim Streather (c) (29)
12 Nick Tompkins (54)
11 Nathan Earle (16)
10 Tom Whiteley (5)
9 Henry Taylor (4)

1 Richard Barrington (106)
2 Jared Saunders (45)
3 Vincent Koch (6)
4 Fa’atiga Lemalu (0)
5 Mark Flanagan (8)
6 Kelly Brown (150)
7 Joel Conlon (8)
8 Samu Vunisa (12)

Replacements

16 Tom Lindsay (0)
17 Hayden Stringer (7)
18 Titi Lamositele (36)
19 Nick Isiekwe (5)
20 Schalk Burger (19)
21 Neil De Kock (260)
22 Alex Lozowski (22)
23 George Perkins (5)

[Hot_Charlie]

When has Tom Croft ever worn 16.

It looks a stronger team on paper than Sarries, but who knows what the result will be. Looking forward to seeing some of the younger players getting a run out in the second half.

[sapajo]

Its going to be a fish and chip evening, because with that side we will all enjoy a good battering.