Leicester Tigers face one of the Gallagher Premiership’s unbeaten teams for the second week in succession as Sale Sharks come to Mattioli Woods Welford Road this Saturday (3.00pm).
After travelling to Saracens in Round 4, Tigers host a Sale Sharks who have also kicked off the season with three wins including two with maximum points.
Tigers welcome back Julian Montoya and Jasper Wiese for the first time this season following their international campaigns, while Freddie Steward runs out on home ground for the first time since last season’s Premiership semi-final after a delayed start to his campaign.
“I’m looking forward to it,” said full-back Steward. “I haven’t had the opportunity to play at Mattioli Woods Welford Road yet this season so it will be nice to be back out there in a Leicester Tigers shirt with the fans.
“It is something I have missed and it will be good to have that again.”
Nemani Nadolo, Matt Scott, Richard Wigglesworth and Calum Green all return to the Tigers line-up after missing the defeat at Saracens a week ago.
Sale have lost just one of their last seven fixtures with the Tigers in Premiership Rugby – in this equivalent fixture last October when Hanro Liebenberg claimed the decisive try – but have been beaten on their last two visits in all competitions.
Loosehead prop Bevan Rodd makes his first start of the season for the Sharks, with fellow front-rower Nic Schonert returning from suspension. Scrum-half Raffi Quirke is named in the matchday squad for the first time since suffering an injury in April.
The backs are unchanged from the win against Exeter last week, with Manu Tuilagi alongside Sam James at centre, while second-rower Cobus Wiese lines up opposite his older brother Jasper.
The two clubs have met on 104 previous occasions with Leicester winning 69 to 30 by Sale and five games drawn. Of those, 59 have been at Mattioli Woods Welford Road where the Tigers’ record is won 50, drawn 1, lost 8.
Saturday’s referee is Luke Pearce, in charge for a 133rd time in the Premiership.
Tigers will be in the club’s traditional colours of green, white and red with the visitors in their red away kit.
Click here for the Matchday Guide and everything you need to know if you are joining us on Saturday, including Oktoberfest in conjunction with club partners STIHL.
Match tickets are still available. Book online, phone 0116 319 8888 (option 2) or in person.
Round 5 in full:
Friday – Bristol Bears v Exeter Chiefs (7.45pm)
Saturday – Bath Rugby v Gloucester rugby (3.00pm), Leicester Tigers v Sale Sharks (3.00pm)
Sunday – Newcastle Falcons v Saracens (3.00pm), Wasps v Northampton Saints (3.00pm)
