Tigers v Bath (A) - Premiership - Saturday 28th October 2023 - KO:15-05

[Rugbygramps]

I think we really need to win this one, but with Bath not as impacted as us with international absences, and all the new players/coaches still getting used to each other at Tigers, I am not optimistic. It took a while for Borthwick to settle in, so it would not surprise me if we’re well off the pace this year…

It is far from ideal. The 23 that are in the squad will represent the club well and I’m hopeful for something from the game but this was possibly going to be the case until the Quins game at least.
It’s not just the number of players that are unavailable, but the quality of those players and the impact they have on the team

Montoya, Cole, Chessum, Martin, Wiese, Youngs, JVP, Pollard, Watson, Steward.
These are players that would be first choice for most clubs in Europe let alone the premiership.
Unfortunately it is only an 18 game season, so top 4 a decent run in Europe and winning the PRC may be our limit this season.
BUT because of all the teams being stronger everyone is capable of beating everyone else.

As always Hope Springs Eternal

[MCC1964]

Good to see Cronin and Tommy R back.

[trendylfj]

The only good thing about all of this is that teams that would normally be at the top of the league are also suffering from absences so it is like giving the "lesser" teams a bit of a head start and could lead to a very exciting end to the season. If SB begins his rebuild from the start of the 6N's we are likely to keep Dan and I really can't see us losing many more than are already in the squad.

[chewbacca]

Good to see Cronin back, he has had a horrid time with injuries. Hope he can get a good run of games under his belt.

[trendylfj]

Looks to me to be the best side we have available so am living in hope but my head still thinks that we will have to be at our best to get anything out of the trip.

[Tigerbeat]

Leicester Tigers have named their team for Saturday’s clash against Bath at 3:05pm at the Rec, live on TNT Sports.

Tigers head coach Dan McKellar has made four changes to his starting side for the trip to the southwest, Welsh international backrow Tommy Reffell named at openside for his first appearance of the 2023/24 season.

Irish prop James Cronin will also play his first game of the year, with Harry Wells and Matt Rogerson also coming into the starting pack.

Cronin’s selection sees Francois Van Wyk shift to the finishers, 21-year-old backrow Emika Ilione set to feature in the Premiership for the first time this season, from the bench.

Leicester Tigers head coach, Dan McKellar said: “It’s been great to have Tommy back with us this week for what will be another test against good opposition.”

“Straight away you can see the effect of his energy and communication has on the group, so he’ll be important for us moving forward and Emeka and James earn an opportunity this week off the back of their performance in training.”

STARTING XV
15 Mike Brown [11]
14 Josh Bassett [4]
13 Guy Porter [65]
12 Dan Kelly [61]
11 Ollie Hassell-Collins [5]
10 Jamie Shillcock [6]
9 Tom Whiteley [8]

1 James Cronin [16]
2 Charlie Clare [82]
3 Joe Heyes [127]
4 Cameron Henderson [41]
5 Harry Wells [179]
6 Hanro Liebenberg (c) [89]
7 Tommy Reffell [100]
8 Matt Rogerson [4]

REPLACEMENTS
16 Nic Dolly [29]
17 Francois van Wyk [36]
18 Will Hurd [29]
19 Sam Carter [4]
20 Emeka Ilione [14]
21 Joe Powell [5]
22 Charlie Atkinson [22]
23 Phil Cokanasiga [11]

[Tigerbeat]

After securing their first ever win at the StoneX last weekend against Premiership champions Saracens, Bath Rugby return to The Rec to run out in Blue, Black and White.

Making eight changes to his starting side, Johann van Graan has switched his front row, with Beno Obano, Tom Dunn and Thomas du Toit to start.
After coming off the bench last week, Josh McNally will get his first start of the season alongside Charlie Ewels in the second row.
Fresh from being announced as the Waratah’s new signing, Fergus Lee-Warner takes the blindside spot, with Miles Reid switching to openside, and Alfie Barbeary retaining the Number 8 jersey.

Ben Spencer and Finn Russell were harmonious in Bath Rugby’s win over Saracens last week seeing the half-backs keeping their spots.

Will Muir comes back in on the wing, with Joe Cokanasiga retaining his spot on the opposite side.

Cameron Redpath will return to inside centre after a spell at 13 last week, partnered by Max Ojomoh on the outside.

Being named at full back, Matt Gallagher will complete van Graan’s starting XV selection.

Niall Annett, Juan Schoeman and Johannes Jonker line up on the bench to switch in in the front row.

After being handed the captaincy for the Premiership Rugby Cup, Ewan Richards will get his first Gallagher Premiership appearance of the season coming off the bench.

In a six-two split, Jaco Coetzee and Chris Cloete complete the replacement forwards.

Orlando Bailey and Louis Schreuder will be this week’s replacement backs.

Starting XV: 1 Beno Obano, 2 Tom Dunn, 3 Thomas du Toit, 4 Josh McNally, 5 Charlie Ewels, 6 Fergus Lee-Warner, 7 Miles Reid, 8 Alfie Barbeary, 9 Ben Spencer ©, 10 Finn Russell, 11 Will Muir, 12 Cameron Redpath, 13 Max Ojomoh, 14 Joe Cokanasiga, 15 Matt Gallagher

Replacements: 16 Niall Annett, 17 Juan Schoeman, 18 Johannes Jonker, 19 Ewan Richards, 20 Jaco Coetzee, 21 Louis Schreuder, 22 Orlando Bailey, 23 Chris Cloete

[Leicestertinytiger]

We need a strong start as Bath’s 9/10/12 axis could tear us to shreds. Wouldn’t be the first time we’ve been thumped at The Rec.

[Postiger2]

Hate to say it, but I think we're going to get hammered by what is a strong Bath side. Will gladly eat humble pie if I'm wrong.

[DeadlyDunc]

Pretty much Baths first choice XV isn’t it?

[jgriffin]

Yep, being :censored: last year has put them in a good position this - the price of success, as ever.

[markharbtiger]

Surprised there is no sign of Kata?
Looking at the sides this is the stupidity of playing league games at the same time as the World Cup.

[fentiger]

Surprised there is no sign of Kata?
Looking at the sides this is the stupidity of playing league games at the same time as the World Cup.

Kata is out with a head knock!

[tigerburnie]

Always tough at the wreck(sic)but this is a very good group of individuals who will need to gel as a team, quietly confident we can get something out of this game.

COME ON YOU TIGERRRrrrrrssssssss

[Tigerbeat]

https://www.leicestertigers.com/news/sq ... ate-231017