Irish to test champions home record

By Mike Hill
May 9 2002

The perennial league champions take on this years Powergen Cup winners at Welford Road on Sunday in what promises to be an intriguing contest. Tigers scored late on at the Majedski Stadium in January to clinch a close encounter and London Irish will be very keen to avoid a repeat showing.

The Irish proved in their cup final demolition of Northampton what a strong team they are so Tigers will need to be at their best to maintain the home record for another league campaign.

After the joy of Twickenham and the club’s first major trophy the Irish were brought crashing back to earth by Pontypridd in the Shield semi final. Sale also turned them over at Reading last weekend whilst Tigers had a wake up call when (an admittedly weakened team) were easily outplayed by Bristol at the weekend. Both clubs will be looking for much better performances and a return to winning ways on Sunday.

On loan Paul Gustard may return to play against his team mates hoping to prove a point to the Leicester coaches. The battle between him and Tigers back row could be worth the admission price alone as sparks are bound to fly. Expect Leicester to play all their first choice players since it is imperative that the team finds some rhythm and generates some momentum in the build up to the European Cup final.

Geordan hurt his shoulder and Steve Booth has popped a rib cartilage but aside from those two the team is in good shape. The team now needs a settled period and the back line in particular a chance to gel as a unit. The backs have looked lethargic and lacking in confidence in recent matches but this is a good opportunity for them to shape up against a fast and mobile Irish side. Brendan Venter’s men can wrap up a home draw in the Zurich Championship quarter-finals ………

I’ll see you all in the Tiger Bar afterwards to toast the end to yet another Championship winning season. Let’s hope it’s not the only trophy we retain this year.