By Den1se
April 24 2002

Tigers backs coach Rod "Dave" Kafer knows Tigers' weaknesses and has set about rectifying them before Sunday's BIG game - the European Cup Semi-Final clash between Leicester and Llanelli.

Rod explained the Tigers' few losses this season: "The games we have lost have been when we have been put under pressure by good sides."

"Llanelli proved that is the way to do it and Wasps did it to us a couple of weeks ago."

It has obviously not escaped the Tigers' coaches that recent performances have left a fair bit to be desired: "We are probably not in the greatest form at the moment, so we will all feel better when we get the semi-final behind us."

"We have been pretty consistent this year and have been able to drop it down a gear, then pick it up when we needed to."

"Maybe we haven't been at our best in recent weeks but you can expect that at this time of year."

"No-one would say it but it is inevitable that you start to look at the bigger things ahead." So will all this looking ahead pay-off for Tigers? Not long till we find out now...oh dear!

Llanelli build Tigers up

Today Leicester were labelled "the envy of Europe" by Llanelli coach Gareth Jenkins: "They are a quite outstanding club, and you can only be impressed by them. But we've got a chance on Sunday, and hopefully we can deliver.

"I see no reason for us to be overawed by the occasion, and we certainly won't be intimidated."

And they have no reason to be, being no strangers to each other in this years tournament Leicester know they face stern opposition in the scarlet-wearing Llanelli boyos. The forth-coming game gives both teams the chance to prove themselves.

Team news for semi

Neither team has been selected as of yet but both have a few injury worries, Gareth Jenkins stated: "It is not clear at this stage what our final selection is going to be"

"If there are injuries, then there are injuries, but we will deal with it. At this stage, I haven't ruled out anyone, and we are prepared to give people as long as they need."

Tigers have had some good news on the injury front, both Lewis Moody and Josh Kronfeld should be fit enough to be named in the semi line-up if selected after being ruled as 50-50 at the beginning of the week. The only certain absentee is Will Johnson who has not yet recovered from his knee cartilage operation.

Deano has some tough choices to make on the selection front with a nearly injury free squad to pick from. Possibly the backs will be the hardest to pick given the fine performances by some of the lesser known members of the squad. Ollie Smith, Harry Ellis and Steve Booth have all had fine seasons in a stripey shirt but may miss out in the biggest game of the year, mind you you never can tell...