Premiership Preview - Leicester Tigers v Harlequins

 

Don't get me wrong, I love the autumn internationals.   Top players from around the globe showcasing their stuff in front of the best stadia in the northern hemisphere, what's not to like?  That's right, the sight of your club being shorn of their best players right when they're bang smack in the middle of an injury crisis.  Leicester and Harlequins fans may be delighted to see the likes of Tom Youngs, Dan Cole, Chris Robshaw and Mike Brown in England colours, but that unbridled joy is somewhat tinted by the fact that, currently, both sides are nursing an injury list as long as Mr Tickle's right arm.

The hosts, Leicester, have been particularly stricken.  With 18 key players injured – including Lions Tom Croft and Manu Tuilagi – the last thing Richard Cockerill would have wanted to see is Dan Cole, Tom Youngs, Geoff Parling, Ben Youngs and Toby Flood swanning off on international duty.  In their last outing, against Wasps, there was not one first choice player in the backline and only two (arguably three) in the pack.  No wonder they're struggling for consistency.  That said, this Tigers side still possess a bruising nucleus that could challenge any other pack in the league – it's time for the new Tigers, the offloading, free-scoring Tigers, to revert to stereotype.  In Marcos Ayerza they have one of the best scrummagers in the league, whilst Ed Slater is once again a superbly physical presence around the park – how he hasn't claimed England recognition yet, I do not know.  Add in the raw potential of new signing Pablo Matera and the nous of Julian Salvi, and you have a set of forwards who should be able to grind out a win in the toughest of circumstances.

Quins, on the other hand, have done well to shake off the traditional view that they're a bit soft up front with some standout performers, but the loss of Joe Marler and Chris Robshaw deprives them of physicality and leadership, whilst Maurie Fa'asavalu, Jordan Turner-Hall and George Lowe (sadly out for the season with a neck injury) are also noticeable by their absence.  But this is still a Quins side that has the potential to excite.  Their performance away at Clermont and at home against Sale showed that in George Robson and Nick Easter they have two grizzled campaigners who can mix it with the best, whilst Luke Wallace, Jack Clifford and Joe Trayfoot are a trio of young loose forwards with real speed and venom in the loose.  But it remains in the backline where, despite injuries, Quins still possess that X-Factor.  Danny Care can count himself incredibly unlucky not to be involved with England at the weekend but he'll be completely focused on making life difficult for his usurper (Ben Youngs)' club, and in the backline the sheer combination of pace and footwork in the likes of Ugo Monye and the young Charlie Walker make this a side you cannot afford to take your eyes off.

For both sides, the only way to get a win will be to revert to stereotype.  And, even in the absence of so many internationals and other stars, that makes for one hell of a prospect.

 

Leicester Team News

Leicester recall Graham Kitchener and Scott Hamilton following last Sunday's defeat by London Wasps.  Kitchener partners Louis Deacon in the second row, Hamilton returns to the wing, and Matt Smith is fit and in the squad for the first time this season.

Starting Line up:  Morris; Hamilton, Hepetema, Bowden, Thompstone; Williams, Mele; Ayerza, Briggs, Mulipola; Deacon (capt), Kitchener; Slater, Salvi, Crane.

Subs: Chuter, Stankovich, Balmain, Mafi, Waldrom, Harrison, Smith, Scully.

Key Player

Owen Williams.  The young Welshman has been impressive in his brief displays so far this season and, thanks to the moronic actions of Ryan Lamb (who broke his hand throwing a punch), he is Tigers' fly half for the next month.  Tigers fans already know of his natural tendency to run and counter attack, as well as his handy form with the boot off the tee, but with the hosts looking to dominate in the tight his pack will demand to be playing in the right areas of the pitch.  And when Leicester's forwards tell you to do something… He was taught a lesson in game management by veteran Andy Goode last week, but he will be better for it.  If he gets his tactical kicking game on song then Tigers will have a shot at winning.

Harlequins Team News

Nick Evans moves to full-back to replace the injured Tom Williams and Ben Botica starts at fly-half.  Charlie Walker and Ugo Monye play on the right and left wings respectively, with Danny Care completing the backline.

Starting Line up: Evans; Walker, Hopper, Molenaar, Monye; Botica, Care; Lambert, Ward, Collier; Easter (capt), Robson; Trayfoot, Wallace, Guest.

Subs: Allen, Marfo, Mayhew, Matthews, Clifford, Dickson, Casson, Smith.

Key Player

Charlie Walker.  Yes he's on the wing, but since I've proclaimed him as the one to watch in the Premiership this season I should give him kudos his first Premiership start.  In the brief glimpses we've seen of the young centre-cum-winger-cum-fullback this year, we've seen some electric pace coupled with real balance and a deadly step.  At Welford Road, on a narrow pitch though, it will be his defensive duties that will be placed under scrutiny, especially when facing up to the powerful figure of Adam Thompstone.  That said, any loose kicks by Williams will be a real opportunity for Walker to run in space – and that will be very bad news for the Tigers.

 

Key Battle

David Mele v Danny Care.  A battle of two yappy 9s is always entertaining – and occasionally amusing – to watch, and this should be no different.  Mele has become a popular figure at Welford Road since his summer arrival, with his feisty nature and sharp service proving a valuable asset to the side, especially with Ben Youngs out of form.  With the pack aiming to dominate, Mele can help Williams get them into the right areas of the park by utilising his kicking game – which has been hit and miss so far this season.  Of course, he'll have to simultaneously try to shut down the threat of Danny Care, the heartbeat of this Quins side.  With any ball that the visitors do get, the England man will have to make sure he makes the right decisions to put his quick men into as much space as possible.

Prediction

I know many Leicester fans have this down as a loss already, given how much the squad has been reduced to its bare bones in recent weeks.  That said, Quins find themselves in a similar position and, although it's a shame such a cracking match up had to take place in the international window, it does add a real intrigue to the fixture.  With drizzle forecast for 5 30 pm on Saturday (kick off), it's looking as if the ball may just have fallen into the hosts' court.  If they can get the forward dominance they are after, and pepper out-of-position fullback Nick Evans with high balls, then they should just about claim the win.  Tigers by 5.

 

What else is happening in the Aviva Premiership this weekend?

Worcester Warriors v Bath:  This must be a target game for Dean Ryan's men, given how Bath and George Ford have noticeably struggled in wet conditions – is the confidence there though?  Bath by 3.

Sale Sharks v Exeter Chiefs:  Sale at home on Friday night is always a tough place to get a win, even if the Chiefs are in scintillating form at the moment.  Perhaps a trip too far? Sharks by 4.

Gloucester v London Wasps:  A home game against struggling Wasps represents a great opportunity to pick up some points for the Cherry and Whites, despite the Londoners beating the Tigers last week.  Gloucester by 6.

London Irish v Northampton Saints:  It's impossible to look past the East Midlanders after their fantastic destruction of Saracens last weekend, despite Irish looking impressive at home.  Saints by 12.

Saracens v Newcastle Falcons:  Sarries will be livid with their display last weekend and a home game against Premiership new boys Newcastle is a perfect way to bounce back.  Sarries by 15.