The Heineken Champions Cup breaks new ground at Mattioli Woods Welford Road this afternoon (5.30pm) with the return leg of the new-look Round of 16 featuring Leicester Tigers and ASM Clermont Auvergne.
Organisers EPCR have staged the last-16 clashes in club rugby’s premier tournament over two legs with places in the quarter-finals determined by aggregate scores.
Tigers earned a 29-10 victory over Clermont in the opening leg, but fly-half George Ford warns there is a still a huge amount of work to be done in the return on home ground.
“I’m very proud of the team to go and perform in a game like that last week and also in such a great place to play rugby,” said Ford.
“It’s the first time we’ve had home and away legs in this stage of a competition like this, and the focus and mindset is that we’ve done nothing yet and there is another 80 minutes to play against a quality team.
“Playing over two legs is all brand new for us. It adds an element to the tie.
“It’s great to go to places like Clermont and also to bring them back to Mattioli Woods Welford Road and hopefully they will be able to experience what it’s like playing in Leicester because it is incredible.”
Tigers have not reached the knockout stages of the Champions Cup since 2016, though the team did reach the Final of the Challenge Cup last season.
Head coach Steve Borthwick has named Nic Dolly at the heart of the front row for the second leg, with Harry Wells and Eli Snyman restored to the second row after appearing as second-half replacements in the away leg. Freddie Steward is in line for his 50th club appearance.
Clermont will be led by hooker Yohan Beheregaray after he returned from a knee injury to play from the bench last Sunday.
France Under-20s scrum-half Baptiste Jauneau makes his first start, with Morgan Parra – in line for his 84th European game – providing experience from among the replacements. There is also a return from a year-long injury absence for wing/centre Samuel Ezeala.
Second-rower Tomas Lavanini misses out on a return against his former club due to a neck injury.
If aggregate scores are level at the end of 80 minutes, extra time is played. There is also provision for a place-kicking competition to find the winner. Click here to find out more.
Tigers will be in the club’s green, white and red while Clermont will wear all white as they did in the first leg.
Referee is Andrew Brace from Ireland, who was last in charge when Tigers went to Bordeaux-Bègles earlier in the pool stages. He was also referee of the Challenge Cup Final against Montpellier last season.
See our Matchday Guide to find out everything you need to know if you are joining us this afternoon.
