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Match report: Vital win for Tigers at Twickenham

Figure image

Leicester Tigers maintained their Aviva Premiership push with a fifth successive win, beating Bath 34-19 at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday.

In Round 19 of a fascinating Premiership season, it was a score from Adam Thompstone, with Bath down to 13 men after two yellow cards, which provided a breakthrough for Tigers in the first half.

But they were 13-10 behind at half-time after Bath weathered the storm and then saw hooker Tom Dunn force his way over the line on 33 minutes in the 195th meeting of these old rivals.

Two tries from Sione Kalamafoni, following his first Tigers score in the win over Wasps, put Tigers in front again, though there was still very little wriggle room until Sam Harrison provided a bonus-point score on 73 minutes. There was still time, too, for Telusa Veainu to add his ninth of the season and deny Bath any consolation from the game.

Bath fly-half Rhys Priestland got the game under way and almost manufactured an instant breakthrough as the kick evaded Valentino Mapapalangi and fell into Jonathan Joseph’s hands. But Tigers quickly re-aligned and won turnover ball to clear up towards halfway.

After Priestland pushed a fourth-minute penalty wide, the Wales international had a second chance from further infield Mike Fitzgerald was ruled offside. The kick this time sailed through the posts and gave Bath a 3-0 lead.

The first scrum of the game brought a Tigers penalty – and a brief exchange from the front-rowers – but Ford pushed his kick across the posts.

Tigers started to build some phases in attack, though, with Sam Harrison going through a gap in support of Mapapalangi and Luke Hamilton, and Bath giving away two penalties in defence. Referee Wayne Barnes played advantage until the Bath defence blocked progress and came back for the offence 15 metres from the left touchline.

Ford this time thumped the ball through the posts to level the scores with 13 minutes played.

After using Matt Banahan to carry on their right wing, Bath had another penalty when Graham Kitchener was whistled for playing the scrum-half at a breakdown. Priestland called for the tee again and pushed Bath 6-3 in front.

A minute later, Barnes blew again, this time in Tigers’ favour near halfway, and skipper Ford prodded the kick down to the 22-metre line on the right. After a one-handed take from Kitchener, the pack pushed Bath back 10 metres before opening play out. Kitchener then almost provided a breakthrough as Tigers recycled quickly, only for Beno Obano to make a try-saving tackle almost within reach of the line.

The threat was not totally averted, though, and Bath paid a price when scrum-half Kahn Fotual’ii was yellow-carded as he killed possession just a couple of metres out from the line.

Bath then found themselves in trouble at a five-metre scrum, with referee Wayne Barnes first warning the front row, then issuing a team warning, and then yellow-carding tighthead prop Shaun Knight after Tigers failed to make use of a penalty advantage as Thompstone reached for Ford’s crosskick.

Replacement prop Victor Delmas then found himself under pressure as Bath were penalised again and six minutes had elapsed from the original penalty award before Tigers finally found their breakthrough score

When the packs eventually stayed up, No8 Sione Kalamafoni picked up and Thompstone scored on the right.

Ford added a conversion from the right-hand touchline to put Tigers 10-3 in front approaching the half-hour mark.

Referee Barnes had a look at a hit from Mapapalangi on full-back James Wilson and, although the ‘home’ crowd did not like it, the referee adjudged contact had been made with the ball first and there had been no foul play.

Fotuali’i returned to take Bath up to 14 men as play restarted with a Tigers scrum near halfway. But this time it was the Blue and Whites who were awarded a penalty and Priestland kicked up to the 22.

The lineout allowed Bath their first phases of play in Tigers territory since the opening minutes and they found a way through, the forwards coming round the corner at a succession of rucks to take play up towards the five-metre line before play was halted with Mathew Tait receiving medical treatment.

Matt Smith replaced Tait as play restarted, and Tigers quickly found themselves behind their own line as first Fotuali’i went close and then Bath retained ball in the forwards and a score from hooker Tom Dunn was confirmed after consultation with the TMO. Priestland added the kick to put Bath back in front at 13-10, with six minutes remaining in the half.

Bath skipper Matt Garvey went off injured as they returned to full strength after the yellow cards, before a steal from Thompstone brought a promising position for Bath to an end.

A knock-on from Telusa Veainu, fielding a kick from Priestland, had Tigers back in their own defensive zone and Banahan almost provided the perfect finish to the half for Bath as he read a chip from Joseph and reached for the line in a tight space. The view from the TMO, though, confirmed he had dropped the ball as he attempted to dot down, and the teams reached half-time with Bath 13-10 in front.

With the sun breaking through the clouds, Ford got the second half under way and a one-handed lineout catch from Kalamafoni presented Tigers with a promising position before ball was lost on the right.

A timely tackle from Banahan on Harrison ended another Tigers attack and Ford had to show some smart work in defence with three whiter shirts closing in.

It was a frantic start to the second period, with both defences getting line-speed and closing in on opportunities to build phases until Tigers got a lineout drive going on the left which brought a penalty against Bath.

Ford kicked the penalty into the left-hand corner to set up another maul. With the referee playing advantage, Jonny May and Thompstone looked for a gap in the opposite corner, but Bath managed to close them out.

Tigers lost ball at the five-metre lineout but did force Bath back behind their own line, providing the opportunity for another close-range scrum.

The referee’s arm was raised again in Leicester favour, but Tigers continued to play and got reward with a try for Kalamafoni on the left.

It looked like the chance – and the advantage – had gone as the played across the five-metre line but the Tongan No8 picked up at a tackle and reached out to score for a second successive game.

Ford’s kick was agonisingly just wide but Tigers were back in front at 15-13 on 51 minutes.

Some enterprising work from Thompstone on the right almost had Tigers away again, but play was brought back as ball was spilled 25 metres out.  

Ford had to be alert in defence again as Aled Brew kicked through, and he got enough assistance to allow Harrison to clear to halfway.

Tigers were penalised, though, for an obstruction as Thompstone carried ball out of defence. Priestland took the kick from the 10-metre line to edge Bath a point in front at 16-15.

The Bath fly-half then used his boot to clear 50 metres upfield as Tigers lost ball in possession just as replacement Tom Youngs and back-rower Hamilton. combined on the right.

The Tigers pack, with Will Evans on for Mapapalangi, won another scrum penalty and welcomed Greg Bateman and Logovi’i Mulipola from the bench as they reached Bath territory and then celebrated a second score from Kalamafoni.

This time the No8 showed power, pace and some clever footwork to score on the left.

Ford’s kick hit the outside of the near post but Tigers were 20-16 in front when Kalamafoni recovered to claim the restart.

Tigers, though, were quickly down to 14 men when Thompstone was yellow-carded as he challenged Wilson to a kick.

Priestland took on the long-rage kick and nudged Bath to within a point at 19-20 on 66 minutes.

Big carries among the forwards, with Evans, Bateman and Mulipola all involved, pinned back Bath and brought a penalty 10 metres out for Tigers. Bath, though, stayed tight in defence for phase after phase.

Tigers, though, retained composure, and after Ford had unpicked the lock, Harrison just got to the line for a bonus-point score and, crucially, some breathing space on the scoreboard. Ford kicked the extras to make it 27-19 on 74 minutes.

Play remained in the Bath half as Tigers had another penalty, this time for a deliberate knock-on, and Ford punted down the touchline as the clock ticked up to 77 minutes. Evans and Mulipola were gainfully employed again and, with Bath stretched behind the ball, Veainu found his way through to put the outcome beyond doubt with his ninth try of the season.

Match Details

HT ScoreHalf Time Score

BAT 13-10 LEI

FT ScoreFull Time Score

BAT 19-34 LEI

Attendance

60,884

Referee

Wayne Barnes

Bath Rugby
Bath Rugby
19

Full Time

Leicester Tigers
Leicester Tigers
34
Bath Rugby
P
P
T
C
P
P
KOHTFT
Leicester Tigers
P
T
C
T
T
T
C
T
C

Match Stats

Bath Rugby
Leicester Tigers
Possession
31%
69%
Territory
27%
73%
Penalties Conceded
14
7
Yellow Cards
2
1
Red Cards
0
0
Tackles Won
217/230 94%
96/106 91%
Scrums Won
4/6 67%
8/9 89%
Lineouts Won
5/6 83%
8/9 89%

Player Stats

Bath Rugby
Leicester Tigers
Leicester Tigers
TCDP
15Telusa Veainu1T
14Adam Thompstone1T
13Mathew Tait
12Matt Toomua
11Jonny May
10George Ford3C1P
9Sam Harrison1T
1Ellis Genge
2Tatafu Polota-Nau
3Dan Cole
4Michael Fitzgerald
5Graham Kitchener
6Valentino Mapapalangi
7
8Sione Kalamafoni2T
16Tom Youngs
17Greg Bateman
18Logovi'i Mulipola
19Harry Wells
20Will Evans
21Harry Simmons
22Matt Smith
23Jordan Olowofela

Commentary

FULL TIME AT TWICKENHAM

The whistle is blown on this season's Clash at Twickenham and a late surge sees Leicester Tigers come away with a bonus-point victory, 34-19 over Bath.

OLOWOFELA MAKES PREM DEBUT

With just over one minute remaining here at Twickenham, Jordan Olowofela comes in to the game - his Premiership debut for the club. 

CONVERSION - TIGERS

George Ford adds the 2 points with a successful conversion attempt and Tigers lead is out to 15 points with less than 30 seconds remaining.

TRY - TIGERS

A fifth for Tigers as the ball moves wide through the hands of George Ford and Matt Toomua, who find Telusa Veainu and the fullback dances his way through the Bath defence and dives over.

76

EDGE OF YOUR SEAT STUFF

60,000 fans are almost without voice after a hectic few minutes following the last try to Tigers and the play is stopped as Bath deliberately knock-on. 

Tigers kick for the corner, 5m line-out.

CONVERSION - TIGERS

George Ford adds the extra two pints from in front and extends the Tigers lead to 8 points.

TRY - TIGERS

Tigers cross for their fourth of the afternoon, through birthday boy Sam Harrison, who picks and goes after a brilliant, sniping run from fly-half George Ford on the back of brilliant forward play from Leicester.

70

TIGERS PRESSURING BATH'S LINE

The ball comes wide from the scrum, phase by phase, as Leicester put the pressure on the 'home' team in the dying stages. 

69

PENALTY TO TIGERS

No advantage played and penalty given to Tigers, who opt to pack a scrum 5m out. 

68

TIGERS ON THE MARCH

Tigers are pressing the Bath line, inch by inch and ruck by ruck, deep inside the 22.

PENALTY GOAL - BATH

The 'home' team take back the lead, 20-19, with less than 15 minutes on the clock as Rhys Priestland successfully adds a penalty goal.

SIN BIN - TIGERS

Tigers go down to 14 men as Adam Thompstone is sent to the sin-bin for taking the man in the air, with Bath's fullback James Wilson falling awkwardly in an attempt to take a high ball. 

Bath will shoot for goal. 

63

CONVERSION ATTEMPT HITS THE POST

Heart-breaking for the Tigers fly-half as the ball hits the posts, which means Leicester's lead remains at just 4 points with less than 20 minutes remaining. 

TWO CHANGES MADE BY TIGERS

Ellis Genge and Dan Cole are replaced by Greg Bateman and Logovi'i Mulipola.

TRY - TIGERS

Sione Kalamafoni has a double, as the Leicester No.8 side steps one man before selling James Wilson with a dummy and has enough momentum to get over the line.

REPLACEMENT MADE BY TIGERS

Will Evans is in to the game for Valentino Mapapalangi in the back-row.

60

TIGERS BLOW OVER BATH

The Tigers scrum monsters the home team's and forces Wayne Barnes in to awarding a penalty. Brilliant scrum from Leicester.

60

DOUBLE KNOCK-ON

After an expansive attacking set of phases from both teams, it's a knock on from both sides but first is Leicester and it's a scrum to Bath 35 out from the Tigers line. 

PENALTY GOAL - BATH

Bath take back the lead, 16-15, after a successful penalty attempt from Rhys Priestland. 

57

CHANCE TO RE-GAIN LEAD FOR BATH

The 'home' team have a chance to take back the lead after a penalty against Dan Cole for obstructing a Bath defender, chasing a kick down field and looking to tackle Adam Thompstone.

56

KICK TENNIS RETURNS

The sides now showing some signs of fatigue as both look to play the territory game with less than half an hour remaining on the clock. 

TIGERS REPLACEMENT

Tatafu Polota-Nau is replaced by Tigers club-captain Tom Youngs at hooker after a brilliant 55 minute spell from the Australian international. 

51

UNSUCCESSFUL CONVERSION

The kick fades away and so the Tigers lead remains at just two points over Bath with half an hour remaining at Twickenham.

TRY - TIGERS

With three advantages being played following the 5m scrum on the right-hand side, the ball is picked up after several phases at the back of a ruck by Sione Kalamafoni who crashes over! 

48

5M SCRUM - LEICESTER

Bath knock it back in the air over their own line and ground the ball. 5m scrum, Tigers.

47

TIGERS 5M LINE-OUT ... AGAIN

Opposite side. Same set-piece option, as the ball goes wide from the first with advantage but is taken in to touch by Bath. 

45

SECOND PENALTY IN SUCCESSION

A second penalty for Tigers as the maul from the line-out is brought down by Bath and George Ford kicks for the corner. 

Tigers line-out, 5m out from the Bath line.

44

PENALTY TO TIGERS

40 out from their own line, in the middle of the field, Tigers receive a penalty for a deliberate knock-on from Bath and George Ford finds touch 30 out from the 'home' team's line.

43

END TO END OPENING

The second-half has begun in an expansive and exciting way, with both teams keen to cover as much Twickenham turf as possible in attack this afternoon. 

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY

George Ford gets the second-half underway at Twickenham, kicking deep in to the Bath 22 and chased well by Tigers before Kahn Fotuali'i opts to clear in to touch. 

Tigers line out, 40 out.

TIGERS BACK OUT AT TWICKENHAM

George Ford leads the visiting side back on to Twickenham, followed by Bath, for the second half here in The Clash.

HALF TIME AT TWICKENHAM

The half-time whistle is blown by Wayne Barnes and Bath head in to the changing rooms with a three-point lead over Tigers, 13-10 after an exciting first-half.

40

TMO DECISION PENDING

A chip kick in the final play of the half from Jonathan Joseph for Matt Banahan is being checked for a potential try but, it's a clear knock-on from the Bath winger. NO TRY.

39

FINAL CHANCE FOR BATH

A few minutes of kick tennis ends with a knock on from Telusa Veainu 30 out from the Tigers line in an attempt to take an up-and-under. Bath with the scrum feed. 

36

PENALTY REVERSED

A fired up Ellis Genge reacts to a neck-roll penalty against Bath and referee Waynes Barnes opts to reverse the decision and give the 'home' side the chance. They kick for the line in to Tigers 22 but lose possession only a few phases in to their attack. 

35

END TO END ACTION

The action is certainly aplenty here at Twickenham today as the ball is moved side to side, up and down the famous turf by both teams in the perfect conditions for open play.

CONVERSION - BATH

Rhys Priestland adds the extra two points with a successful conversion attempt and the 'home' side take back the lead, 13-10, with 7 minutes remaining in the first half.

TRY - BATH

Bath build pressure at the ruck and it's their hooker, Tom Dunn, who crashes over for their first try of the match. 

HIA REPLACEMENT - TIGERS

Mat Tait is on his feet and walking from the field but, will be checked by medical staff in the changing rooms and is replaced by Matt Smith. 

32

BATH ATTACK ENDED BY REF

Wayne Barnes stops the clock mid-attack for Bath as two players are attended to by medical staff, with the Tigers one appearing to be Mat Tait, while the home side's is on his feet and ok.

30

SCRUM PENALTY TO BATH

In a reverse of recent events this match, Bath receive a penalty at scrum-time and find touch inside Tigers 22. 

29

TMO IS CALLED UPON FOR FOUL PLAY

The TMO, Geoff Warren, is brought in to the game by Wayne Barnes to check a tackle from Valentino Mapapalangi but after numerous angles and minutes there is nothing in it. A knock on from Bath stands near half-way.

CONVERSION - TIGERS

George Ford adds the extra 2 points from the right-hand touchline and Tigers take the lead by 4 points as we approach the half hour mark at Twickenham.

TRY - TIGERS

The pressure is too much for Bath after six minutes of scrum re-sets and Tigers force another forward inside the home side's 5m before sending the ball wide to Adam Thompstone who goes over.

25

SIX MINUTES OF SCRUMS

Boris Stankovich is smiling from ear to ear as we re-set for a sixth minute of scrummaging, with two Bath players in the bin and a final warning on a third.

SIN BIN - BATH

A second yellow card for Bath in the same period as tight-head prop Shaun Knight is sent to the sin bin for successive penalties at the scrum. 

21

RE-SET, RE-SET AND RE-SET AGAIN

Bath in trouble now in front of their own posts as Tigers set to feed their fourth re-set of a scrum after three successive penalties. Team warning issued by Wayne Barnes to Bath. 

SIN BIN - BATH

Bath scrum-half Kahn Fotuali'i is sent to the sin bin. 

20

PENALTY TO TIGERS

The away team are given a penalty in front of the posts and Bath scrum-half Kahan Fotuali'i is sent to the sin-bin for killing the ball.

19

TIGERS SWING IT WIDE

Side to side the ball goes in attack from Tigers after a brilliant maul from the Leicester pack sets up the attacking position and a strong charge from Kitchener sees him nearly crash over. 

19

MAUUUUUUUUUL

The Tigers drive it 15 towards the Bath line and the away side are on the back foot.

18

TIGERS OFFERED CHANCE INSIDE BATH HALF

Bath penalised for offside at the ruck and despite a chance for 3 points from around 40 out, Tigers captain George Ford opts to kick for the line and Leicester will feed the line-out on the home side's 22. 

PENALTY - BATH

The 'home' side take back the lead, 6-3, in the 16th minute with a second successful penalty goal attempt for Rhys Priestland.

15

BATH GIFTED OPPORTUNITY

A silly penalty blown against Tigers as Graham Kitchener is caught on the wrong side of the ruck by Wayne Barnes and Rhys Priestland will shoot for 3 points from 25 out.

PENALTY - TIGERS

The scores are all level at Twickenham as George Ford adds a penalty goal from 22 out, taking it to 3 a piece after 13 minutes. 

11

PENALTY TO TIGERS

Tigers are given a penalty around 10 out from Bath's line and opt for the chance at the 3 points.

10

TIGERS DEEP IN BATH HALF

The away side in the attacking zone with back to back advantages as they press for a break in the Bath line. 

8

UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPT

The first chance on goal is missed by Ford, fading to the left of the posts. Bath with a 22 re-start, deep towards the half-way line.

7

PENALTY TO TIGERS

A strong scrum from Leicester sees the penalty blown their way and George Ford is offered an opportunity to level the scores from 35 out, to the right hand side of the posts. 

6

TIGERS GIVE AWAY CHANCE

A chance for Tigers is lost after a strong re-start from George Ford is returned in kind by Bath but a knock on in the attempt to take it from Adam Thompstone hands the home team a scrum inside their own half, 35 out.

PENALTY GOAL - BATH

The home side register the first points of The Clash with fly-half Rhys Priestland slotting a penalty goal from 35 out in the 5th minute.

4

SECOND CHANCE FOR PRIESTLAND

A second chance for 3 points for Bath after another penalty inside the Tigers half goes against the visitors, this time from inside 40 out. 

3

UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPT

The 3 points go begging as the ball fades away to the left of the posts and Tigers will re-start from the 22. 

2

FIRST CHANCE FOR BATH

After two minutes of kick tennis between the sides, it's the 'home' team with the first chance for points after Tigers are penalised in attack at the ruck. 

Rhys Priestland with a chance from 40 out. 

WE ARE UNDERWAY!

GAME ON! Bath get us underway, kicking in to the Tigers 22 and re-gathering but losing possession two rucks later and now it's Leicester on the ball deep inside their own half.

0

HERE COME THE TIGERS

Here come the Tigers with today's captain, George Ford leading the team on to Twickenham.

0

TEAM NEWS

No changes to the Tigers side for The Clash from the side named on Friday afternoon.

0

WELCOME TO RUGBY HQ

Welcome to Matchday LIVE for Round 19 of the Aviva Premiership season and here we are at Twickenham for The Clash. 


Opposition Lineup

Starting XV

15
James Wilson
14
13
Jonathan Joseph
12
Ben Tapuai
11
10
Rhys Priestland
9
1
Beno Obano
2
Tom Dunn
3
Shaun Knight
4
Charlie Ewels
5
Elliott Stooke
6
Matt Garvey
7
8
Taulupe Faletau

Replacements

16
Jack Walker
17
18
Victor Delmas
19
James Phillips
20
Tom Ellis
21
Max Green
22
Freddie Burns
23

Big-match preview: Bath versus Tigers

Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby meet at Twickenham Stadium for a second successive season on Saturday in Round 19 of the Aviva Premiership campaign.

The teams are separated by just five points in the league table as eight-placed Bath (46 points) chase a home-and-away double over their old rivals for the first time since 2003/04.

Fifth-placed Tigers (51 points) have won their last four Premiership fixtures and have won five times away from home during the league campaign, most recently at Worcester in Round 17. The Tigers' last victory at Twickenham was against Northampton Saints in the Premiership Final of 2013.

Last season’s meeting at Twickenham was won by Bath, coming from behind to triumph 27-21 in a dramatic finale after early tries from Brendon O’Connor and Telusa Veainu had put Tigers on the front foot. The day also marked a 200th appearance for the club from Ben Youngs.

In team news announced on Friday, there is a return to the Tigers line-up for prop Ellis Genge and a place in midfield for Mathew Tait, while Jordan Olowofela could make his Premiership debut from the bench. Bath include Rhys Priestland at fly-half and have Francois Louw back from injury in the back row.

“Bath at Twickenham was my first game back at the club last year and it was a really good contest,” said Tigers head coach Matt O’Connor.

“We’ve looked at the game with Bath at Welford Road at the start of the season and we were very disappointed with our performance that day. But Bath have a very good side, they have Test players across the field.

“The most pleasing thing over the last month or so for us is how hard the guys have been working for each other to come up with the results. But we cannot afford to drop anything at the moment, we have to keep pressure on the sides around us and give ourselves the best chance.”

Wayne Barnes, Premiership Rugby’s most experienced referee, is in charge on Saturday in his 197th top-flight fixture.

Tigers will wear the club’s traditional red, white and green colours at Twickenham, with Bath wearing a one-off white and blue kit for the occasion.

Kick-off is at 2.00pm with live television coverage on both BT Sport and Channel 5.

If you are not travelling to the game or are unable to follow the action on TV, you can keep up to date using the Tigers Matchday Live service on website, mobile website and app, or follow the club’s social media pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Tigers return to home turf for Derby Day against Northampton Saints next Saturday (April 14). Kick-off is at 3.00pm. Tickets are still available and in high demand, so book your place as soon as possible. Book in person at the Welford Road ticket office, phone 0116 319 8888 (open 9.00am-5.00pm Monday-Saturday every week) or online any time using the link below.

Team news: Bath versus Tigers at Twickenham

Ellis Genge and Tatafu Polota-Nau return to the Leicester Tigers starting line-up for Saturday’s Aviva Premiership Round 19 fixture against Bath Rugby.

Twickenham Stadium hosts The Clash between two old rivals with both teams hoping for a strong run-in to the end of the season.

Genge returned from injury to have a run-out from the bench in the win over Wasps in Round 18 and he joins fellow internationals Polota-Nau and Dan Cole in the Tigers front row.

In the only other change to the starting team, Mathew Tait is named at centre in the absence of the injured Manu Tuilagi.

George Ford leads the team out, with club captain Tom Youngs among the replacements, and there is a place for England Under-20s cap Jordan Olowofela who could make his Premiership debut at England Rugby HQ.

“Bath have Test-class players across the field and it is going to be pretty intense for both teams,” said Tigers head coach Matt O’Connor.

“We cannot afford to drop anything at the moment, we have to keep pressure on the sides around us and give ourselves the best chance because it is so tight in the table.”

Nick Malouf is unavailable due to suspension, while Manu Tuilagi, Ben Youngs, Mike Williams and Brendon O’Connor are all making good progress after injury and are expected to return to action shortly.

“Manu’s chest injury is more muscle than tendon, which is really positive, and the medical team are confident it will be only a couple of weeks,” said head coach O’Connor. “Ben has been training and doing well, and Mike and Brendon are on their way back too which is all good news for us coming to the back-end of the season.”

Leicester Tigers (v Bath Rugby, Twickenham Stadium, Saturday 2.00pm)

15 Telusa Veainu

14 Adam Thompstone

13 Mathew Tait

12 Matt Toomua

11 Jonny May

10 George Ford (c)

9 Sam Harrison

1 Ellis Genge

2 Tatafu Polota-Nau

3 Dan Cole

4 Mike Fitzgerald

5 Graham Kitchener

6 Valentino Mapapalangi

7 Luke Hamilton

8 Sione Kalamafoni

Replacements

16 Tom Youngs

17 Greg Bateman

18 Logovi’i Mulipola

19 Harry Wells

20 Will Evans

21 Harry Simmons

22 Matt Smith

23 Jordan Olowofela

Bath Rugby: 15 James Wilson, 14 Matt Banahan, 13 Jonathan Joseph, 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Aled Brew, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Kahn Fotuali’I; 1 Beno Obano, 2 Tom Dunn, 3 Shaun Knight, 4 Charlie Ewels, 5 Elliott Stooke, 6 Matt Garvey, 7 Francois Louw, 8 Taulupe Faletau

Replacements: 16 Jack Walker, 17 Lucas Noguera, 18 Victor Delmas, 19 James Phillips, 20 Tom Ellis, 21 Max Green, 22 Freddie Burns, 23 Cooper Vuna

 

posteamteam namepldwdlfadifftftatblbpts
5
Leicester Tigers
Leicester TigersLEI2213095374726561555663
6
Bath Rugby
Bath RugbyBAT22110115725314163688456

Leicester Tigers and Bath Rugby meet at Twickenham Stadium for a second successive season on Saturday in Round 19 of the Aviva Premiership campaign.

The teams are separated by just five points in the league table as eight-placed Bath (46 points) chase a home-and-away double over their old rivals for the first time since 2003/04.

Fifth-placed Tigers (51 points) have won their last four Premiership fixtures and have won five times away from home during the league campaign, most recently at Worcester in Round 17. The Tigers' last victory at Twickenham was against Northampton Saints in the Premiership Final of 2013.

Last season’s meeting at Twickenham was won by Bath, coming from behind to triumph 27-21 in a dramatic finale after early tries from Brendon O’Connor and Telusa Veainu had put Tigers on the front foot. The day also marked a 200th appearance for the club from Ben Youngs.

In team news announced on Friday, there is a return to the Tigers line-up for prop Ellis Genge and a place in midfield for Mathew Tait, while Jordan Olowofela could make his Premiership debut from the bench. Bath include Rhys Priestland at fly-half and have Francois Louw back from injury in the back row.

“Bath at Twickenham was my first game back at the club last year and it was a really good contest,” said Tigers head coach Matt O’Connor.

“We’ve looked at the game with Bath at Welford Road at the start of the season and we were very disappointed with our performance that day. But Bath have a very good side, they have Test players across the field.

“The most pleasing thing over the last month or so for us is how hard the guys have been working for each other to come up with the results. But we cannot afford to drop anything at the moment, we have to keep pressure on the sides around us and give ourselves the best chance.”

Wayne Barnes, Premiership Rugby’s most experienced referee, is in charge on Saturday in his 197th top-flight fixture.

Tigers will wear the club’s traditional red, white and green colours at Twickenham, with Bath wearing a one-off white and blue kit for the occasion.

Form Guide
Form
WWLLW
Last Match
Beat Sale Sharks 42-24
Past Meeting
Lost 22-35
Form
Last Match
Past Meeting
Form
LWWLL
Last Match
Lost to Gloucester Rugby 25-27
Past Meeting
Won 35-22

Matchday Live

Bath Rugby19
Bath Rugby
Leicester Tigers34
Leicester Tigers
Full Time