LEICESTER TIGERS v SARACENS Prem Cup Preview

The Prem cup is turning into something of a bright light in our season so far. 2 games, 2 wins, 22 tries, 10 points and top of the group. This Sunday sees us travel to Welford Road to take on Leicester Tigers who are faring less well in the competition. Another good win and we’ll be well on our way to securing a semi final place before we’ve even reached the half way point in the competition (part 2 takes place after Christmas)

After Venter’s comments around cohesion (we don’t have much apparently) team selection will interesting. I very much hope, at least as far as the youngsters are concerned, we stick with the same guys (with the sad exception of Jack Bracken who I fear will be absent for a while). There may be a bit of rotation in senior circles: maybe Daly for Malins, Tompkins for Va’enuku and Charlie for James but I do hope we retain the young core who competed well for the most part last week. A replacement for Jack will be interesting. Whereas we have a lot of talented wingers, Elliott and Caluori have deservedly earned a call up to the England squad, we may see Seva Kava or Zac Finch in the starting 15 alongside young Fraser Rawlins.

I was impressed with the starting front row last week especially the props so hopefully they’ll get to go again along with the young locks. We may see a tweak in the back row with maybe Isiekwe replacing Onyeama-Christie.

Let’s hope for another performance more like the first half than the second and another good win.

For those not making the trip it's on TV so sit back in your nice warm armchair with a pint of old and filthy and (hopefully) enjoy