Tigers take on Bristol at the Memorial Ground

Bristol preview
By Mike Hill
May 1 2002

Tigers take on Bristol at the Memorial Ground this Sunday in a fixture that provides very different motivation for the players involved.

Bristol need to win to cement their position in the play off positions of the league and of course everyone wants to beat the champions. Tigers players are competing for European Cup final places and playing for pride.

Expect a much changed line up from the team that narrowly defeated Llanelli last Sunday as key players are rested after their heroic exertions. It’s also an opportunity for players who haven’t featured for a while to get some much needed match practice.

I expect Balding and Short to come into the back row ( and Josh of course if he’s fit) and Louis Deacon to replace Johnson. Nebbet, Chuter and Jelly have all had limited opportunities and in the backs Goode and Boothy deserve a game.

So important has Tim Stimpson proved in the European Cup over the last two years that Deano could be forgiven for wrapping him in cotton wool for the next 4 weeks. However there is still the matter of continuing the home record against London Irish and the quarter final of the Zurich Championship should provide a good warm up for the big one.

Bristol have been very inconsistent this season but always put in a good performance against the Tigers. The home game in November was close and Bristol showed what a strong team they are when the mood takes them. The pack is strong and robust led by Archer and Sheridan and moulded into Dean Ryan’s image they won’t lack spirit.

Behind Pichot runs the show from scrum half ably supported by his impressive Argentinian team mate Contepomi at ten. With the speed of ex tiger Phil Christophers and Spencer Brown out wide the Bristol Shoguns have the potential to score a lot of tries.

It all points to a fascinating contest and will severely test Leicester’s professionalism and stated desire to win every game but I have faith that the players and coaches will produce the goods.