Jump to Main ContentJump to Primary Navigation
leicestertigers.comMattioli Woods Welford RoadContact UsTopps Tiles
News

Match preview: Tigers at Saracens

Figure image
Leicester Tigers chase a first-ever win at Allianz Park in the Aviva Premiership semi-final against Saracens on Saturday.

The visitors have lost on all three previous visits to the artificial surface at Allianz Park, but they did win a semi-final against Saturday’s hosts in 2012, triumphing 24-15 at Welford Road with tries from Alesana Tuilagi and Steve Mafi. If you can’t remember that game, click here to re-live all of the action.
 
Ten-time English league champions Tigers are in the knockout stages for the 12th successive season and chasing a place in the Final for the first time since 2013.
 
Saracens, who defeated Tigers’ conquerors Racing 92 in the European Champions Cup Final last weekend, are in the knockout stages of the tournament for a seven consecutive year and are defending the title they won at Twickenham last season.
 
“Saracens have had a big season, they are a good side and they were pretty much in control against Racing in the European Final last week,” said Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill.
 
“There were some tough selection choices this week, but that is the nature of this time of the year.
 
“We know we have to go there and put everything on the line. I’m sure they are thinking about doing the double. They are trying to make their own history and they’ve done that in Europe already, but we are there to win it too.
 
“It would be nice to see our supporters there in red, white and green and we hope we can put a performance out on the field that justifies our place in the semi-finals.”
 
Each side won on home territory in the league encounters this season, Tigers triumphing 21-13 at Welford Road after 26-6 defeat in the New Year fixture at Allianz park.
 
Referee on Saturday is JP Doyle.

Tigers have recalled Manu Tuilagi, Mike Fitzgerald and Brendon O’Connor after injury, while Sarries go with the team that started the Champions Cup Final in Lyon last weekend.
 
Both teams will be in their home kit.

There is live coverage of the semi-final on BT Sport, or you can keep in touch via the Tigers club website and social media. Kick-off is at 12.30pm.

Match tickets are still available from the Saracens ticket office.