By Mike Hill
August 29 2002

Tigers return to Headingley this weekend to face the side that inflicted the heaviest defeat of their previous campaign. Leeds Tykes produced arguably their best performance of the season that day against a Tigers side devastated by International call ups and injuries. The final scoreline of 37-16 slightly flattered the Tigers who were truly woeful that day.

Leicester started last season as though they were still hung over from the festivities in Paris going down narrowly away to the Falcons in a game they looked in control of. The Lions tour had left the senior guys physically shattered and the Treble comedown was evident on some of the faces.

Expect a much better opening performance this year with the top players all rested and raring to go! Well okay most of the backs are already injured but the forwards are mainly fine and everyone knows games are won and lost up front. Our pack should be too strong for the Tykes and if the lineout functions as well as it did against Biarritz, Leeds could really struggle.

Last weekend offered the first chance to properly assess some of the new signings and young players who have graduated to the first team. Hipkiss and Holtby both had good games with the former showing all round skills to die for. Sam Vesty (Mr 4G) was slightly lateral at times but looks to have a good eye for a break and a decent boot on him.

Danny Hipkiss (admittedly this is based on only one performance) seems to possess quick hands, a thumping tackle, a decent turn of pace and crucially for a three quarter the ability to beat players with a side step. What more can you ask for? Good news for Tigers is that the above also applies to our beloved Ollie Smith a first team regular now but still only 20 years old. You've got a long wait Rob Andrew waiting for our squad to get old and fade!

Tom Tierney looked a class act at scrum half seeming to possess that extra speed of thought and deed that we sometimes lack at nine. I was very impressed with his passing and desire to snipe around the breakdown which I consider vital if you are going to keep the opposition back row honest and relieve the pressure on Austin at ten.

Although if things start well I think we could post a big score against Leeds early season rustiness and a passionate home crowd could make life difficult for us. I'm going to go for a 28-21 scoreline in favour of the Tigers.