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PREM Cup final: Switch of roles for Bailey, O'Connor benched by Tigers
By Jon Newcombe
Leicester Tigers have made three changes to the starting XV that beat Bath in last weekend’s semi-finals for Sunday’s PREM Rugby Cup final against Exeter Chiefs.
Hanro Liebenberg returns to the run on side, lining up in the second row alongside Harry Wells, while the other change in the pack is at hooker where Charlie Clare replaces Jamie Blamire. Clare will have props Archie van der Flier and Will Hurd either side of him.
Tommy Reffell, a two-try hero against Bath, leads the team from openside and young Harry Palmer extends his record of starting in every Cup fixture this season as the blindside.
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The recently re-signed Pumas international and last weekend’s Player of the Match, Joaquin Moro, rounds off the pack at No.8.
Tom Whiteley, who also put pen to paper on a new deal this week, continues his half-back partnership with Billy Searle. However, there is a change at inside centre with Joe Woodward coming into the team, due to Orlando Bailey moving to full-back. Will Wand makes up the midfield combination.
Gabriel Hamer-Webb and Ollie Hassell-Collins join Bailey, whose two previous starts at 15 came in earlier rounds of the Cup, in the back three.
Wallaby star James O’Connor, who was a late withdrawal from the Bath match, has recovered from the muscle tightness that forced him to miss out and takes his place on the bench. Osian Thomas fills the gap left by Liebenberg leaving the bench.
“This home final is testament to the hard work from both staff and players throughout the various Prem Cup blocks and we aim to put the best of ourselves out there on Sunday,” said Parling.
“It’s pleasing to see the progression of our youngsters as the season has gone on, the number of debuts we have had, and how many homegrown players are in our matchday twenty-three.”
“We know what a quality side Exeter are, but it’s more about representing our club, fans, and our teammates, including those players that are away on international duty, and putting the best of ourselves out there.”
Leicester Tigers team v Exeter:
15. Orlando Bailey (18)
14. Gabriel Hamer-Webb (9)
13. Will Wand (29)
12. Joseph Woodward (51)
11. Ollie Hassell-Collins (65)
10. Billy Searle (17)
9. Tom Whiteley (57)
1. Archie van der Flier (16)
2. Charlie Clare (140)
3. Will Hurd (68)
4. Harry Wells (232)
5. Hanro Liebenberg (142)
6. Harry Palmer (9)
7. Tommy Reffell © (151)
8. Joaquin Moro (19)
Replacements
16. Finn Theobold-Thomas (30)
17. Tarek Haffar (16)
18. Ale Loman (14)
19. Osian Thomas (3)
20. Josh Manz (20)
21. Charlie Bemand (7)
22. James O’Connor (7)
23. Izaia Perese (23)
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