'IT WILL BE ONE HELL OF A GAME'
The bitter memories of previous encounters may have faded but the stakes will be as as high as ever when Ospreys arrive at Welford Road tomorrow.
The Heineken Cup meetings of Leicester Tigers and Ospreys between 2005 and 2010 created a real Anglo-Welsh rivalry and plenty of controversy.
Some of those feelings may have diminished and the make-up of the two sides on view tomorrow will be worlds apart from their last clash at the very top level.
But the all-or-nothing feeling that has tended to accompany meetings between these two clubs will be back in abundance.
****Best Deals**** Van Insurance for 17-24 Yr Old Drivers - Contact Insure365 on 01782 898188 for a quotation, Free Legal Protection Included Valued at £25.00!
Terms: 1 Voucher Per Customer
Contact: 01782 898188
Valid until: Tuesday, June 25 2013
After an opening round defeat at Toulouse, Tigers find themselves in a situation they have been in countless times over the past 15 years or so – arriving on home soil needing a win against a big opponent.
More often than not, they have come out victorious as the pressure of the occasion has brought out the best in the home side.
Tomorrow, they need those points more than ever. Lose here and the rest of the competition becomes more wild hope than results based.
It won't be a disaster for the Welsh side if they lose. But they will arrive in good form with five points already in the bag and a feeling within the camp that this is their time to go one better than 2009's 32-32 draw and finally win on Leicester soil.
Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill admits it is a "huge game" for his side.
"They are a very different challenge to Toulouse but they are a very good side and have been on good form for the last four games," he said.
"It will be very tough and they have a quality fly-half who will kick his goals.
"It's going to be one hell of a game but we have to front-up and perform.
"We have to come away with the win. It's a huge game for us this season."
Ospreys coach Steve Tandy said his side had "goose bumps" thinking about the game.
"Leicester have got an outstanding squad, a good coaching team and a great pedigree in the Heineken Cup," he said.
"These players want to perform and they are all ready to go."
Comments