Tigers v Munster

[Soggypitch]

We have not been told if Betham is injured or not. I suspect he must be otherwise surely he would have been on the wing at least. I can see the argument for Bai/Smith on a foul night at Thomond. Not sure Niki will like the occasion too much, I suspect he will be seeing a lot of ball coming down from a great height tomorrow! In fact how our back 3 deal with Munster's kicking game will be crucial.

The forwards just about pick themselves with the only debate being who plays at 6. Fair call by Cockers I think for this fixture.

Can't say I'm confident but, (like that little old ant), I have high hopes!!

[Jimmy Skitz]

Freddie Burns still not cleared to play?

[PAW]

If Betham is injured, then we have centres Manu, JDV and Betham all unavailable from those who you may expect to start in a big game. Not sure if Roberts is fit again and I cant see Niki fancying slugging it out on a wet, cold and slippery night. Bai and Smith may be the best available

[Soggypitch]

If Betham is injured, then we have centres Manu, JDV and Betham all unavailable from those who you may expect to start in a big game. Not sure if Roberts is fit again and I cant see Niki fancying slugging it out on a wet, cold and slippery night. Bai and Smith may be the best available

I'm sure that Roberts and Catchpole are both fit, but this is a game for experience and toughness (mental and physical) and Bai/Smith are probably our best bet.

I can't wait for us to have more options at centre though, it is certainly our current weakest area.

[Cagey Tiger]

Freddie Burns still not cleared to play?

Correct

[Jimmy Skitz]

Freddie Burns still not cleared to play?

Correct

I'm sure Cockers said he was supposed to be back last week with Williams, take it the specialist had other ideas

[vin rouge]

Freddie Burns still not cleared to play?

Correct

Should be cleared for home leg

[MrPartridge]

Apparently it is going to rain a lot and I mean a lot.

Hope not - long way to travel to get soaked.

I'm optimistic for this one… and that is a statement given the recent trips to Ulster recently! Forwards are a strong bunch and with option like Croft to bring on. I agree that it is a surprise not to see Betham, but we have a squad for a change so some rotation possible. Really want to see us go over and show intent for the win. They lost recently at home, so why not?

Freddie was interviewed on the BBC Tigers radio show this week and he's almost there now. Apparently he lost 8kgs due to his broken jaw!

All hail Camacho… comes on in the 70th minute and scores the winning try in the last few second! [if we keep it on the park rather than boot it off for the LBP!]

[Stu_F]

Freddie Burns still not cleared to play?

Correct

Should be cleared for home leg

I would be surprised to see Freddie next week, more likely the Development XV match v Saints the following evening.

[tigerburnie]

Excellent squad who I am sure will bring the points home.

COME ON YOUTIGERRRrrrrsssss


(sadly not going to the game now)

[Bill W (2)]

Excellent squad who I am sure will bring the points home.

COME ON YOUTIGERRRrrrrsssss


(sadly not going to the game now)

A win - any win - would be good!

[Chobbsy]

Excellent squad who I am sure will bring the points home.

COME ON YOUTIGERRRrrrrsssss


(sadly not going to the game now)

A win - any win - would be good! So say ALL of us !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[PaleoTiger]

Can't add much to what's already been said, Betham out is a mystery. He did take a knock in the Wuss game, but "ran" it off, perhaps the ground was heavy and he's tweaked something?,

Slater at 6 is a good call, whilst Mike Fitz can play at 6 and would be fine, we've only used him at lock, we have other cover there before I'd want to move him, Slates is a fine call. Though all these other options seem to be pushing Crofty further on down the list......

Agree on the centres, it is a very strong defensive pairing, the team whilst not exciting in the backs is certainly strong enough and with Telusa Veainu (now spell checked) in the team, we certainly have some X factor. Its a good team. Fingers crossed.

I'm working in China again (hence bad speeling ;) in previous post on Veainu from back of Shanghai taxi) , I'd stopped up late for the London Irish away game last time I was here, was +7hrs diff, so 1500 KO was at 2200, so not too bad. A 1945 KO with a 8hrs diff is another matter...... Being the first person to introduce Blethyn Jones to Shanghai at 0345 on a Sunday morning could be an experience.

[Noddy555]

Agree with most of the team from the fit players we've got with one exception Seremai Bai, he showed against Worcester that he finds the pace of modern rugby a struggle and he was the most guilty party even given the conditions that night for dropping passes and making knock ons. I would have preferred George Catchpole in that position or Matt Smith and bringing in a not fully fit Manu, and before anyone bleats Smith can play both centre positions, that's why he's playing. Is there any more news about Peter Bethin's injury? or is it Betham I can never remember!

[G.K]

The centre partnership does concern me somewhat. If Camacho is fit wouldn't he have been a better option to start?

Also if Croft's main position is 6 then not sure why he is not starting there instead of Slates who is a lock?

Hope it all works on the night though.