Pre-season friendly - Nottingham - 1st September 2023 KO: 7:30pm

[RunTigerRun]

First game of the new season on Friday - thought we could do with some positive rugby to talk about!

Looking forward to seeing the squad back in action and the work DMK and the team have begun. It's been a bit quieter on the socials than we may like (especially around team and senior academy team confirmations...) but I'm looking forward to seeing who is selected to wear the shirt and seeing rugby back at MWWR! I'm hoping there will be a stream of the match as I cannot make the game but it'll be good to have rugby back nonetheless.

Hard to guess any of the selected team and I'd assume we will have either an extended bench or 2 separate teams for each half. Intriguing to see the combinations and any new (and unannounced) faces!

Bring on Friday night!

[Scott1]

COYT! Let’s have something to smile about for a change

[TigerFeetSteve]

Ok hardest team of the season to pick. Be happy with 3 right

I think we may go somewhere near full strength as for the PRC we may dial back so here's my guess

Shilcock
Hassell-Collins
Porter
Kelly
Bassett
Atkinson
Powell
Whitcombe
Dolly
Heyes
Wells
Henderson
Liebenberg
Rogerson
Hatherall

[RunTigerRun]

Don't think you're too far off TFS!

I think we may mix a little in some positions:

Shillcock
Simmons
Cokanasiga
Kelly
Bassett
Atkinson
Powell
Hatherall
Ilione
Liebenberg
Henderson
Chessum L
Hurd
Dolly
Whitcombe

Hoping for an extended bench or separate 2nd half team with the likes of Rogerson, Whiteley, Wilkinson, Brown, OHC, Cracknell, Vanes, Cronin, Heyes, Carter.

Time will tell!

[tigerburnie]

I wonder if Pollard might get a run out?

[longlivethecrumbie]

I wonder if Pollard might get a run out?

I think there's little chance of that. I'd imagine SA have kept him with them.

[RunTigerRun]

I wonder if Pollard might get a run out?

Depends if he's been sent back to Tigers.

If he has and Nienaber has asked for some game time in case of injuries at the WC - but given HP has not been named in the 'Book squad after today's supposed deadline then it'll only be an injury replacement - we may see him.

Personally I'd give him some training time and look to give hime some time in the PRC off the bench for a few games assuming he's not called up by RSA. Let Atkinson and Wilkinson start some games and ease Pollard back in time for the Prep opener vs Bristol.

[Darc Tiger]

Not sure SA can keep him around without good reason. I don't expect he'll play any role on Friday, but I expect he'll be training with the squad soon, if he isn't already.

[tigerburnie]

He's named in their injury replacement squad/reserves, so I would think he would come back and get some game time.

[Scott1]

I'm sure there was a recent piece that said all those not making the SA squad will be sent back to their teams right after the NZ game

[albany]

"Handre and co are part of the stand-by players, the 'ready-to-play' squad so to speak. They're currently still in camp with us, but after the New Zealand Test they leave for their clubs," said Nienaber. (Source:News24)

[albany]

Not sure it will take him long to 'leave' from South-West London to Oadby!

[Scott1]

"Handre and co are part of the stand-by players, the 'ready-to-play' squad so to speak. They're currently still in camp with us, but after the New Zealand Test they leave for their clubs," said Nienaber. (Source:News24)

Thanks!

[johnthegriff]

On Friday it is a friendly, I expect to see anything up to 30 players getting a run out and probably a few names selected that we don't recognise but certainly an opportunity to see a number of players in a Tiger's shirt for the first time, can't wait.

[CogGom]

NOTE KICK OFF QUOTED AS 7.30 ON TIGERS WEBSITE!!!!!!!!!