'I love the hostility and everything that comes with it': Adam Radwan

Leicester winger Adam Radwan is relishing his side’s quest to tame a hostile home crowd and overturn the weight of history in Friday’s Gallagher Prem play-off semi-final against Northampton at Franklin’s Gardens.

Radwan, whose surge in form this season is one reason why the Tigers clinched fourth place and a knock-out trip to their table-topping neighbours, gives short shrift to statistics that show only six away winners in 43 games since the play-offs were introduced over 20 years ago.

And the 28-year-old insists his team-mates need no extra fuel to inspire them to what would be a famous win, and a repeat of their thumping 41-17 win of the Saints last month that bolstered their play-off push.

Radwan said: “I think as a squad we have a little bit more edge about us, there’s a bit more fire in people. It means a huge amount to the area, and there’s a proper buzz about the place.

“Ultimately we wanted to be playing in a home semi-final, but going away to Northampton is hugely exciting for the group. You see how much it means to the lads here, and you see how much that rivalry runs through them – it’s genuinely infectious.

“I’m really looking forward to it. It’s going to be a hostile crowd, it’s going to be a tough place to go but I love that kind of atmosphere. I love the hostility and everything that comes with it.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

2

Draws

0

Wins

3

Average Points scored

19

28

First try wins

80%

Home team wins

80%

Radwan’s performances have moved him back into England contention this season, having previously made a pair of appearances under Eddie Jones. But despite recently joining up with Steve Borthwick’s England alignment squad, he insists he is fully focused on the task at hand.

“My number one priority is making sure whenever I put a Leicester shirt on, I play as best I possibly can,” added Radwan. “I think if I’m doing that consistently, opportunities will come off the back of that.”

Leicester head coach Geoff Parling shrugged off the temptation to read too much into last month’s superb win, and stressed that cool heads will be crucial if they are to get the chance to atone for last year’s heartbreaking final defeat to Bath.

“You can always reference and look back at any opposition and what happened last time, whilst knowing that this is a completely different game with a completely different set of moments,” said Parling.

“We’ve been the most disciplined team in the league in terms of penalties conceded. When I say basics are important, discipline is definitely included in that.

“It’s important to stay clear in the head. We speak about being calm, clear and decisive. You can’t be ragged up top, you can have your heart burning but your head’s got to be nice and clear.”