Jump to Main ContentJump to Primary Navigation
leicestertigers.comMattioli Woods Welford RoadContact UsTopps Tiles
Leicester Tigers TV

LTTV: Murphy previews Saracens away day

Figure image

Geordan Murphy knows Saturday's trip south to face Saracens in Round 13 of this season's Gallagher Premiership will be a tough test, despite the Tigers registering a historical first ever away win at Allianz Park in the same fixture during last year's campaign.

Six weeks since the last Premiership outing, including the past fortnight without any fixture at all, the Tigers head coach admits it's nice to have a "focus point" for the weekend and up against a "quality side" like the reigning Premiership champions.

"It's nice to have a focus point for the weekend," Murphy said.

"Last year we got it right ... you look back, the things you've done well but Saracens are a quality side."

Tigers will be without George Ford, Ben Youngs, Jonny May, Manu Tuilagi and Ellis Genge, who are away on international duty with England but do welcome back internationals Dan Cole, Jake Kerr and Jonah Holmes - as well as former England and British Lions front-rower Tom Youngs from injury.

"They back up international players with international players."

However, Murphy is well aware of the experience Saracens possess within their ranks and internationally capped players in their squad to call upon while missing players of their own to Six Nations duty.

"They back up international players with international players," said the Tigers boss.

"It is what it is. We assumed we would be missing 5-6 guys on international duty ... it's about managing the squad."

Murphy was particularly excited about the depth at hooker with recently capped Scotland international Kerr returning after joining the ranks of Tigers internationals in the opening round of this season's Six Nations.

"For a young man who has not played a huge amount of rugby, he has had a stellar season and we're very lucky to have him," he said.

The Tigers head coach also shared his thoughts on the performances of Tigers players during the international tournament so far, saying: "I thought they did a really good job ... their performances have been really sharp."

A week on from the announcement that Jordan Taufua will join the Leicester Tigers next season, Murphy also spoke for the first time since the news about the exciting news that talented New Zealander has agreed to a move to Welford Road.

"Jordy is a great player, we've watched him for quite a few years and appreciate the talent he has," said Murphy.

"He will suit the Premiership style ... he's very friendly, apparently, on the rugby field," added the Tigers head coach with a smile.

Watch the full interview with Geordan Murphy below on LTTV.