Tigers v Exeter

[G.K]

Leicester Tigers (v Exeter Chiefs, away, Sunday 3.00pm)

15 Mathew Tait

14 Adam Thompstone

13 Manu Tuilagi

12 Matt Toomua

11 Jonny May

10 George Ford (c)

9 Ben Youngs

1 Logovi’i Mulipola

2 Tatafu Polota-Nau

3 Dan Cole

4 Mike Fitzgerald

5 Graham Kitchener

6 Mike Williams

7 Luke Hamilton

8 Sione Kalamafoni

Replacements

16 Tom Youngs

17 Kyle Traynor

18 Chris Baumann

19 Harry Wells

20 Valentino Mapapalangi

21 Sam Harrison

22 Joe Ford

23 Nick Malouf

(Too slow Jumbo)

[TigerCam]

Well the 'acid test' is here. A very strong Chief side to deal with. I'll be happy with a good structured performance and an LBP. An ugly 'W' even better.

[JP14]

While Hamilton will give us some dog, I find the lack of Evans and Wells on the bench disconcerting

[strawclearer]

While Hamilton will give us some dog, I find the lack of Evans and Wells on the bench disconcerting

Must admit - for the sake of the breakdown - I'd have started with Wells and O'Connor.

[chewbacca]

Must admit we might as well not bother to contest the breakdown and save ourselves a load of penalties

[ghdav27]

Like most people Id like to have seen Wells and Evans/O'Connor. Usually I'd agree with establishing what you think is the best team and trying to stick to it however it clearly isn't working at the moment, the fixtures have been tougher but I'd like to see some of the lads that were playing when we had our unbeaten run get a bit more game time. I'll be interested to see how TPN gets on. I'm concerned that we'll be asking Manu and Mulipola to play 80 again. I hope they get through it and get a bit of a rest the week after.

[jgriffin]

Still don't like the lack of a stealer. If you contest the breakdown with one known jackal, even if he does :censored:-all in reality, it doesn't let the attacking side relax and fail to commit extra players to make sure of the ball. This is a purely defensive side IMO and could get seriously over-run by Chiefs fast recycling game.

[sam16111986]

Must admit we might as well not bother to contest the breakdown and save ourselves a load of penalties

We concede penalties because our big tacklers get worn down by good quality sides that are happy to recycle the ball. You then get players who wouldn't normally go after the ball at the breakdown going in and trying to force the issue and concede penalties. I fear this might happen tomorrow.

I hope TPN has clicked with his lineout jumpers.

[WiggoTiger]

Going on the previous few weeks, IMHO I think Exeter by 15 points. Let's hope the lads prove me wrong.........

[Rugbyflanker]

Exeter by 21-25,TBP by HT.

[jgriffin]

Frankly if that was the case, I'd hope the BoD consider radical action plus an apology to the fans.

[MrPartridge]

Happy to see a change at 2, but agree with others that we need a 7 in the XV, either Evans or O'Connor.

Says a lot when a LBP would be seen as a triumph! Bookies have Exeter at -11 in the handicap and we are 10/3 for the win. Handicap was -9 this morning so that tells you a lot! Maybe this could be the one game when it all clicks for us and we sneak a miracle win... or on the other hand we could get beat out of sight by 30+. Last 7 games we've averaged conceding exactly 30 per game....

Likely we'll stand 8th come kick-off time... I want to believe, but fancy them for a TBP win. Bring on 2018...

[jgriffin]

The frustration is becoming palpable

[TigerCam]

If you want to see forwards handling skills, the Pests are doing a big number on Bath at the moment. I'm sorry to say it is great to watch!!

[Rugbyflanker]

Has a player just intentionally knocked on twice with a different outcome?!