Garvey: milestone

By P G Tips
November 7 2017

Tyger, Tyger burning bright! Leicester Tigers are certainly burning brightly so far this season. After shock defeats to bitter rivals in the opening two games they have recovered to win 8 from the next 10. They are burning not with the incandescence of Cockerill or the slow burn of Mauger, but under O’Connor enjoying the warm glow of success. Friday evening’s visit to the Rec will challenge that warm feeling. Whatever the competition, a Bath: Leicester showdown is one both teams are eager to win.  

There were few big names on show when Tigers opened their Anglo Welsh campaign last Saturday with a 26-24 victory over Gloucester. Leicester fielded a squad containing 10 “Development Players’, a category denoting a sort of hafway house between Academy and full first team squad status. The team was captained by George Ford’s brother Joe and to continue the fraternal theme, Harry Thacker’s brother Charlie was man of the Match at centre. The question for O’Connor and fellow coaches is: do we continue with a development theme, or- because this is Bath, reinforce the squad with first teamers to hunt for the win?

If they keep the faith with last weekend’s winners, Bath fans should be on the lookout for Tongan fullback Afa Pakalani, No 8 Fred Tuilagi (son of Freddy, nephew of Manu), first squad regulars Will Evans and George McGuigan, plus- to continue the family theme, Harry Wells.

With no fresh injury concerns announced, Bath look likely to keep the selection that squeezed out a win at London Irish. With 2 Premiership fixtures to follow in the Autumn International window, they may though opt to reintroduce Chris Cook and Tom Homer from injury-if ready.

This may be the priority three competition for both clubs, but success breeds success and a winning habit is worth cultivating –especially in a Bath v Leicester tie at home. For Bath to win they will need to tighten their defence, banish naivety and summon up the determination that saw them snatch the laurels last Saturday. Heroes that day were Ben Tapuai, Josh Bayliss and Freddy Burns. More of the same from them and strong shifts from the experienced Garvey, Grant and the Wilsons could give Bath the edge. Matt Garvey will be making his 100^th appearance for Bath rugby so will want a win to celebrate. Like any meeting between these two clubs, it promises to be feisty and close. Who will feel the warm glow, who will be burning brightest at the end?

Possible Bath Team:

Auterac, V Vuuren, Lahiff, Phillips, Douglas, Garvey (Capt), Bayliss, Grant. Allinson, Burns. Jack Wilson,Tapuai, James Wilson, Davis. Atkins,

Replacements: Walker, Vaughan, Nixon, Stooke, Backhouse. Green, Banahan, Clark.

Burning Bright: Bath v Leicester

Discussion started by Comeonmylovers.co.uk (IP Logged), 07/11/2017 16:48

Comeonmylovers.co.uk
07/11/2017 16:48

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2017:11:16:14:28:05 by CoochieCoo.

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tigerburnie
08/11/2017 08:37

Pakalani has been called up for international duty, so won't be available unless released by Tonga.

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nick holder
08/11/2017 09:47

I hope Cook is now fit as his injury seems to be taking ages to clear up esp as it was not Rugby related as he needs time working with FB. Also hope Ewels and Dunn get some time on the pitch

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Stopsy
08/11/2017 13:21

Many thanks PG Tips, I am intrigued at the family reference to Harry Wells, I am unaware of any family connection. That said, there are loads of things I am ignorant of.

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P G Tips
08/11/2017 14:31

John Wells - forwards coach at Newcastle Falcons was a Tigers flanker in the 80s - alongside Deans.

PG

P G Tips


Jaco Coetzee: my adopted Player, 2023-24.

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P G Tips
08/11/2017 14:31

I see from injury updates that Tom Homer may get a start on Friday-thanks to Mike the Taxi for posting the date.

PG

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Boldangrey
08/11/2017 20:17

Quote:

Stopsy
Many thanks PG Tips, I am intrigued at the family reference to Harry Wells, I am unaware of any family connection. That said, there are loads of things I am ignorant of.

I think John Wells and Andy Robinson were big mates at Loughborough and were great rivals for Bath and Leics.

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Jon T
09/11/2017 02:32

Quote:

P G Tips
John Wells - forwards coach at Newcastle Falcons was a Tigers flanker in the 80s - alongside Deans.
PG

A common mistake PG, Harry and John aren't related, Harry's dads called Chris.

[www.rugbynetwork.net]

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Stopsy
09/11/2017 08:45

Thanks Jon, thought so, just wasn't sure if it was a remote connection like Falcon's Welch to Rex Skelton. Still doesn't detract from the excellent article. It will be interesting to see the teams announced and see whether we can work out anything from that.

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P G Tips
09/11/2017 09:18

Thanks Stopsy

I had seen another post on Tigers' board which suggested he was -must stop believing everything I read in the (virtual) papers!

PG

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Stopsy
09/11/2017 09:52

Particularly on our board

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