15. Josh Hodge 14. Jack Nowell 13. Henry Slade 12. Ollie Devoto 11. Tom O’Flaherty 10. Joe Simmonds 9. Jack Maunder 1. Alec Hepburn 2. Jack Innard 3. Harry Williams 4. Will Witty 5. Sean Lonsdale 6. Jannes Kirsten 7. Don Armand 8. Russ Tuima
Replacements
16. Jack Yeandle 17. Ben Moon 18. Sam Nixon 19. Ryan McCauley 20. Christ Tshiunza 21. Sam Hidalgo-Clyne 22. Harvey Skinner 23. Tom Hendrickson
15 Freddie Steward
14 Harry Potter
13 Matt Scott
12 Dan Kelly
11 Nemani Nadolo
10 George Ford
9 Ben Youngs
1 Ellis Genge (c)
2 Nic Dolly
3 Dan Cole
4 Harry Wells
5 Calum Green
6 George Martin
7 Tommy Reffell
8 Hanro Liebenberg
REPLACEMENTS
16 Tom Cowan-Dickie
17 Francois van Wyke
18 Nephi Leatigaga
19 Eli Snyman and
20 Ollie Chessum
21 Jack van Poortvliet
22 Freddie Burns
23 Guy Porter
There's a few names in your side unfamiliar to me, hope those travelling to Welford Road have a safe journey, hoping for a home win, but have some nerves on this one.
I think the Chiefs may struggle in the pack at scrum and lineout, If we get enough possession our backs are good enough to win even with 40%. If we leak penalties give easy field position and do not take our chances with poor passing and offloads it could be very painful. We are not going to play like last week though so i think we could get a win but a bonus point would be OK.
A big opportunity for Rus (21) and Christ (19) in particular. Back row is hugely competitive so you'd have to think they won't get a chance on the big stage when those injured or resting players are back. And a full Welford Road is certainly a big stage!
Tigers impressed me last year and definitely seemed on the up. Could go either way in my view. Much will depend on which squad is most ready.
Shame LCD isn't available to whisper some "encouragement" in his brother's ear at scrum time.
I can only see a possible issue with line out, but this may not be the case, the starting front row is superb and apart from Russ (who is a great talent) there is plenty of first team experience in there.
The back line would I thought be a handful for any team, plenty of ball skills from 12-15.
First match is always a lottery to a certain extent, both teams missing/resting players, but should be a tough and probably close match.
I do think we could win this, but would not be to unhappy at a loss, as long as we can get the usual LBP.
Young Genge as come a long way from his Bristol days, and has matured so well, making him captain with his passion could be a master stroke.
Hi clalan and minuteman
As you both suggest very difficult to call but you can give it a go on the result prediction game. Everyone is very cagey with the current average showing a win for Tigers by ONE point.
Give it a go!
Not expecting too much from the team tomorrow apart from pride in the shirt and playing for each other.
That's not to say we lack talent on the pitch, far from it but we look undercooked to me on last week's evidence.
It may take a few games before we are up to speed?
Tigers looked a much improved pack last season and with George Ford pulling the strings it may be a tough day.
I will be very happy to be proved wrong and will be cheering the boys on loudly and am excited to see what Rus and Christ can bring to the side.
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