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Match report | Chiefs fightback denies Tigers

Leicester Tigers were denied Christmas victory despite two tries from Jonny May and one from home debutant Jordan Taufua as Exeter Chiefs came from behind to win 31-22 at Welford Road on Saturday.

After an early score from the visitors, Tigers roared in front with two tries from May and one from Taufua on his first appearance at his new home to lead 19-7 and they were 22-14 in front at half-time in Round 6 of the Gallagher Premiership.

Exeter, though, showed their resilience and then produced two tries in the space of four second-half minutes to wrestle back the lead with just quarter of an hour remaining and spent the remainder of the game with their hosts pinned back near their own line.

The Chiefs were beaten 27-7 as the opening visitors of the season in the Premiership Rugby Cup back in September but returned to Welford Road on the back of five wins in a row in the league and European Cup.

After George Ford got the game underway, kicking towards The Robin Hood Stand end on a dry and bright afternoon, some quick recycling in midfield created the first half-chance for Tigers with Manu Tuilagi nudging the ball forward for May to gather, but Chiefs quickly got back in behind the ball to close him out.

The first award – and sight of the posts – went to the Chiefs as Tigers went off their feet at a ruck in possession. Slade turned down the chance to go for the posts and punted down to the right-hand corner where Exeter are always so dangerous.

Sione Kalamafoni blocked a dart for the line from Kvesic from the lineout but Exeter retained ball through a couple extra phases before lock Jannes Kirsten made the final push to score. Gareth Steenson converted for an early lead.

But the response was immediate with Telusa Veaniu’s break on the right finding Adam Thompstone in support and his over-arm pass to May who ran in to score. Ford added the kick to level the scores with less than 10 minutes played.

Strong work from Dan Cole stalled the next Chiefs attack just inside the Tigers half and the Taufua made his presence felt as he won a penalty over the ball.

And he made an even bigger impact on 13 minutes with his first try in Tigers colours, collecting a clever cross-kick from Ford and barging through the final defender wide on the right before slamming the ball down one-handed near the posts. Ford’s extras made it 14-7 with 15 minutes gone.

Chiefs were pinned back by another Ford kick down the right after impressive work from the forward pack in defence on the halfway line and the Christmas crowd were in good voice as ferocious work from Genge and then Cole upset Chiefs rhythm on halfway and brought put-in at a scrum.

A penalty went in favour of the Tigers in the first scrum of the day on 19 minutes and, after attacking the line through Tuilagi and Genge, Ford and Tuilagi combined on the left. There was still a lot of work to do for May but with three defenders between him and the line he somehow squeezed over to score, confirmed by the TMO. Ford had a touchline conversion but pushed it just across the far post with his team 19-7 in front.

A messy restart gave Tigers a scrum on their own 22 following an Exeter knock-on but it was the visitors who came up with the next score, using their forwards to battle towards the line following a break down the left and Don Armand made the final stretch for the fifth try of the opening half-hour. Steenson’s conversion brought them within a score at 19-14.

Two big carries at pace from Tuilagi and May’s run on to a chip from Ford had Tigers barrelling forward again, and a quick penalty on the right threatened the line before knocking-on inside the Chiefs 22.

Taufua won another penalty as he met a Chiefs attack head-on just inside his own half. Ford booted play into the right-hand corner and Tigers initiated a drive to the line after the throw but were rewarded with a penalty which Ford kicked from the 22 to make it 22-14.

The half closed with Tigers providing stern defence as Ollie Devoto made a break almost up to the tryline and the usual Chiefs carries up front before Tigers earned a penalty over the ball, greeted by a huge cheer from the home crowd.

Tigers also lost Will Spencer to a head knock before closing the half 22-14 in front.

Another big hit from Taufua halted Chiefs on the 22, but he was then whistled for not rolling away and Steenson took the chance to kick the three-pointer and cut the gap to five points.

A clever link between Taufua, Thompstone and Noel Reid wide on the right almnst put Tigers through the Chiefs defence before the visitors recovered their shape and forced a spill from Ben Youngs. But the Tigers pack responded with a big push and a penalty award at the scrum on halfway.

Exeter, though, read the lineout call and stole ball, and then earned a penalty for foul play. However, Tigers quickly reclaimed ball in defence with Lavanini carrying strongly.

A penalty in Exeter favour, though, gave Steenson a chance to take play up to the 22 on their right but they spilled possession at the lineout. Tigers were then penalised at their own set-piece and Steenson set up the position to drive again. This time they were wrapped up on the ball and Tigers had the put-in at the resulting scrum and were able to clear their lines.

Clean ball wasn’t easy for either team with the defences roaring into the breakdown area but some slick hands and good support took Exeter 50 metres upfield before they showed their tighter control for Armand to level the scores with his second try of the day on 62 minutes.

Steenson’s conversion nudged the visitors in front at 22-24 as Tatafu Polota-Nau made his return from injury from the Tigers bench and just moments later they stretched that advantage when Jonny Hill got on the end of a move on the right to dot down their fourth try. Steenson added the kick to take the lead to nine points.

A Tuilagi charge from deep had the crowd in good voice again but Tigers were still having to play from deep and forced to keep ball in hand at the wrong end of the field with Chiefs defending across the pitch.

Match Details

HT ScoreHalf Time Score

LEI 22-14 EXE

FT ScoreFull Time Score

LEI 22-31 EXE

Attendance

21,219

Referee

Luke Pearce

Leicester Tigers
Leicester Tigers
22

Full Time

Exeter Chiefs
Exeter Chiefs
31
Leicester Tigers
T
C
T
C
T
P
KOHTFT
Exeter Chiefs
T
C
T
C
P
T
C
T
C

Match Stats

Leicester Tigers
Exeter Chiefs
Possession
51%
49%
Territory
44%
56%
Penalties Conceded
8
9
Yellow Cards
0
0
Red Cards
0
0
Tackles Won
177/206 86%
175/214 82%
Scrums Won
6/6 100%
2/4 50%
Lineouts Won
11/13 85%
12/15 80%

Player Stats

Leicester Tigers
Exeter Chiefs
Leicester Tigers
TCDP
15Telusa Veainu
14Adam Thompstone
13Manu Tuilagi
12Noel Reid
11Jonny May2T
10George Ford2C1P
9Ben Youngs
1Ellis Genge
2Tom Youngs
3Dan Cole
4Tomas Lavanini
5Will Spencer
6Calum Green
7Jordan Taufua1T
8Sione Kalamafoni
16Tatafu Polota-Nau
17Facundo Gigena
18Nephi Leatigaga
19Harry Wells
20Tommy Reffell
21Ben White
22
23George Worth

Commentary

80

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Welford Road was in great voice this afternoon - we look forward to seeing you back here in 2020.

Thank you to the 21,219 of you who joined us at the ground this afternoon, and to all of those following along on Matchday Live elsewhere.

Tigers are back in action in the Gallagher Premiership away to Harlequins in Round 7 next Saturday, December 28 (4.30pm).

Until then, Merry Christmas.

FULL TIME | 22-31

...and that's the match. Tigers come away empty-handed despite scoring three tries against last year's Gallagher Premiership finalists.

80

EXETER HOLD FIRM

Despite the best efforts of a spirited Tigers side in the final few moments, Exeter manage to win the ball back and close out the game.

PROP SWAP

Exeter change both of their props as Billy Keast and Enrique Pieretto join the fray with just over a minute left to play.

79

DISRUPTED POSSESSION

Harry Wells does a great job of disrupting Exeter ball at the throw on the five-metre line, as the visitors look to close out this Round 6 fixture.

WORTH FOR TUILAGI

George Worth takes the place of Manu Tuilagi in the Leicester backline.

76

CONFUSING PASSAGE OF PLAY

The ball goes this way and that, and the Chiefs chip through as Ben White thinks the clock is done - the replacement scrum-half gets the ball into touch just in time, but Pearce cedes Exeter the field position.

75

CHARGE DOWN!

Tigers try to kick their way out of harm's way, but the ball is charged down and Exeter pin the home side back down in front of The Robin Hood Stand once more.

RAFT OF CHANGES

Facundo Gigena (17), Nephi Leatigaga (18), Ben White (21) and Tom Hardwick (22) all join the cause, in place of Genge, Cole, Youngs and Reid.

73

TIGERS BUSTLED BACK

Exeter push on up the field, and edge ominously close to the Tigers line through more hefty carries as the rain starts to lash Welford Road.

71

SWITCH BACK FOR REID

The inside centre is used again as Ford pulls Reid around the corner, but the white wall of Exeter keeps pressing.

70

TUILAGI BURSTS THROUGH

The ball is out quickly, and Tuilagi finds an outside shoulder to get up to halfway before bundling off two Exeter defenders. Tigers keep posession through Reid and Youngs.

69

TIGERS SCRAMBLE BACK

Exeter set from their maul, find a few metres, and then feed the back down the right. Tigers get back just in the nick of time to stop them, and it'll be a Leicester scrum on the five-metre line.

EXETER REPLACEMENT

Sean Lonsdale is on for Exeter forward Hill.

68

KICK TO TOUCH

Ford, Hogg and Veainu exchange kicks, but Exeter come out of this spot of kick tennis with the territory - they have a throw just beyond halfway.

REFFELL FOR TAUFUA

Tommy Reffell replaces Jordan Taufua in the Tigers back row.

AND THE EXTRAS

Steenson adds two more points with the boot.

BONUS-POINT TRY

Exeter have a fourth, this time through lock Jonny Hill.

TWO MORE CHANGES

A couple of changes for the visitors, with Kyle Cooper (16) and Stu Townsend (21) on for Taione and Maunder.

CHANGE AT HOOKER

Tatafu Polota-Nau returns from injury as he replaces Tigers skipper Tom Youngs.

EXETER PULL AHEAD

Steenson's successful conversion puts Exeter ahead by two points.

ARMAND PUTS EXETER LEVEL

Chiefs turn on their pick-and-go game once more, and it's back-rower Armand who profits with Exeter's third try.

59

EXETER PUSH FORWARD

The fringes of the Tigers defence are tested as Exeter switch this way and that following a break from hooker Elivis Taione.

57

SLOW PLAY

Not a lot to report on, here, as both packs take their time to get set for another scrum.

CHIEFS CHANGE

Dave Dennis replaces Exeter try-scorer Jannes Kirsten.

54

VITAL INTERVENTION

Absolute effort from the Tigers pack forces the turnover deep into Tigers territory, and you can see what it means to the men in green, white and red as Harry Wells roars his approval from the bottom of a ruck.

52

CHIEFS LINEOUT LOST

The pressure rises at Welford Road, and Tigers do a brilliant job of disrupting the Exeter lineout inside the Leicester 22.

But, after a scrappy couple of minutes of play, Lavanini is pinged for doing so illegally.

50

TMO DECISION | SHOULDER CHARGE

And, just as we say that, TMO Rowan Kitt picks out the back-rower for what he describes as a no-arms tackle. A let-off for the Chiefs.

49

TAUFUA INTO THE ACTION

Taufua is back into the action after a cute pop-pass from fellow summer signing Lavanini. The New Zealander breaks up through the Exeter defenders.

48

SCRUM ON HALFWAY

Exeter look to be offside in broken play on halfway, but referee Pearce awards the scrum to Rob Baxter's men.

Genge - on the occasion of his 50th start - is having none of it, though, and leads the charge at the scrum to win a Tigers penalty.

FIRST POINTS OF THE HALF

Steenson takes three points with the boot to put Exeter within five.

44

HILL BURSTS THROUGH

Exeter lock Jonny Hill finds half a gap in the Tigers defence, but he's quickly wrapped up by Geordan Murphy's men.

The home side, though, give away a penalty on the floor and Stennson has a shot at goal.

BLOOD REPLACEMENT

Billy Keast is on for Ben Moon in the Exeter front row.

HALF-TIME SWAP

Henry Slade has been swapped for Sam Hill at the break.

41

MANU MUNCHES HOGG

Scotland international Stuart Hogg is the latest player to feel the full force of Manu Tuilagi, as the outside centre lines up his man in front of the Holland & Barrett Stand.

SECOND HALF UNDERWAY

Hold onto your (Santa) hats ... we're in for a massive second half of rugby here at Welford Road. Steenson gets the game going again.

40

MATCH ACTION | TAUFUA ROARS LIKE A TIGER

We think Jordan Taufua is pretty pleased to have scored his first try in Tigers colours this afternoon ... what about you?
 

GettyImages-1195241068.jpg

HALF TIME | 22-14

Tigers lead at half-time through a Jonny May brace and Jordan Taufua's first score at Welford Road.

40

FREE KICK TO LEICESTER

Tigers win a free kick at the scrum, and that's the half.

WELLS FOR SPENCER

Spencer is back onto his feet, but he'll go off for a head injury assessment. He is replaced by Harry Wells.

40

FRANTIC FEW MOMENTS

Youngs finds Lavanini again at the lineout, but as the clock ticks into the red the ball is lost into Chiefs possession.

We'll pause for some treatment to Will Spencer as replays show he's taken a nasty knock.

39

ROAR FROM THE CROWD

Exeter centre Ollie Devoto breaks through the Tigers line, gets tackled, and then gets up again for a second bite of the cherry.

But, after a few phases of Chiefs pressure, Tigers win an all-important penalty on their line and can release the pressure once more.

LEAD EXTENDED

Ford's kick from the tee is faultless, and he extends the Tigers lead to eight points with a couple of minutes left to go in this first half.

35

TIGERS LOOK MENACING

A brilliant take and a strong maul from the Tigers pack shoves them up towards the Exeter line, and the home side win penalty advantage as they work the ball across to the left.

Ford tries a grubber through, but it's blocked by an Exeter leg - and instead he'll opt for a kick at goal.

33

HUUUGE KICK TO TOUCH

Remember when people used to say George Ford didn't have the range? He's certainly got his kicking boots on this afternoon.

Another brilliant touchfinder pins Exeter down deep into their half.

33

BACK ROW COMBINE

But Tigers win the ball back seconds later, as Kalamafoni tackles his man and Taufua gets over the breakdown to claim a penalty. Sweet.

32

ARM UP FOR EXETER

There's a brief stoppage for refreshments - mince pie, anyone? - before the game is restarted with a scrum deep into Chiefs territory.

But the visitors win the penalty, and they can boot the ball downfield.

30

TWO MORE BIG HITS

Quick-thinking from Veainu sets up Tuilagi on a collision course with the Exeter defenders, but he makes another 20 metres up the field.

Then, with advantage, the ball is chipped forward for May, who hits Steenson hard in front of the Terrace.

EXTRAS ADDED

Steenson splits the uprights with his conversion attempt, to bring the Chiefs to within five points.

EXETER TURN THE SCREW

The visitors work the ball up to the line once again through their heavy-duty forward runners, and it's Don Armand on the end of the score, despite the best efforts of Ellis Genge.

26

PRESSURE RELIEVED

Lavanini is the man once again at the latest throw, and scrum-half Youngs gets the ball away well from the back of the maul to relieve the pressure for now.

24

DEFENSIVE SCRUM

Tigers shift into defensive mode as they pack down on the edge of their 22 for another pushing contest, with Youngs feeding the ball to brother Tom.

22

CONVERSION MISSED

A tough conversion attempt from the touchline for Ford, and it just slides wide.

SECOND FOR JONNY

...and it's another score! Replays show May's boot came within millimetres of the touchline, but he reaches out and scores his second try of the game.

20

SLICK FROM THE LINEOUT

Tomás Lavanini is hoisted high into the air to claim the throw, with Ben Youngs whipping it away quickly for Tuilagi on the crash ball.

They work right, before folding back to the left where May thinks he's got a second! We'll check with TMO Rowan Kit...

18

SCRUM ALL YE FAITHFUL

First scrum of the game, and that'll bring a bit of Christmas Cheer to the Tigers Family.

Referee Luke Pearce sticks his arm up on the Tigers side, and Ford will pin Exeter back into the corner for another lineout throw.

17

TURNOVER BALL

Exeter go through the phases once more as they work their way up to halfway, but Tigers are bringing the challenge head-on at the breakdown with Dan Cole getting himself over the ball before a group of his mates come in to support, and the home side win the ball.

16

CHIEFS COUGH UP THE BALL

Hogg claims the restart, but Exeter spill the ball as they go through the hands and Noel Reid has it. Ford calls for the ball, as he spots some space in the backfield - and sets up an attacking lineout just beyond the five-metre line. Slick.

TWO MORE FROM THE BOOT

Another peach of a conversion from Ford and Tigers lead 14 points to seven.

AND ANOTHER FOR LEICESTER!

A brilliant cross-field kick from Ford picks out Welford Road debutant Jordan Taufua, who beats the final defender to score Tigers' second.

10

SLOW ON THE FLOOR

The visitors try their best to slow the ball at the breakdown once more, but when scrum-half Jack Maunder eventually digs it out, his pass to Stuart Hogg is above and behind the full-back.

He's brought down brilliantly as try-scorer May combines with England team-mate Manu Tuilagi in front of the Breedon Terrace.

ALL SQUARE AT WELFORD ROAD

Ford's conversion pins the scoreboard at seven-all.

TIGERS HIT BACK IMMEDIATELY!

Tigers win penalty advantage at the restart, and Adam Thompstone breaks down the right before feeding May with a basketball-style pass inside, and the England wing dives over. One try apiece!

CONVERSION ADDED

Gareth Steenson adds the extras to give Exeter a seven-point lead at Welford Road.

EXETER DRAW FIRST BLOOD

...and they're over.

Jannes Kirsten crashes over for the first try of the afternoon.

5

SNEAKY LINEOUT MOVE

Exeter set for a ball at the back of the lineout, but Matt Kvesic leaps on his own at the front to feed the Chiefs' infamous forward runners. They nudge up to the line...

4

BREAKDOWN PENALTY

Both teams going hard at the breakdown already, but it's Exeter who win the first penalty of the afternoon as Sione Kalamafoni is pinged for going off his feet.

Chiefs kick to the corner.

3

HIGH BALL FOR TELUSA

Exeter gobble up possession from the kick-off, but can't break through the Leicester line and decide to go to the skies - where Tigers full-back Telusa Veainu springs highest to claim the first high ball of the afternoon.

He feeds his backline and there's half a chance for Jonny May to hack through on the left, but the ball is lost forward. Good early pressure, here.

KICK-OFF IN ROUND 6

George Ford puts boots to ball, and we're udnerway in Tigers' festive fixture at Welford Road.

0

SMOKE ON THE WATER

And, for one final time in 2019, club captain Tom Youngs leads out the men in green, white and red. Come on, Tigers!

0

VISITORS ONTO THE FIELD

Henry Slade leads out his Exeter Chiefs team onto the field here in Leicester.

0

FIVE MINUTES TO GO

A Christmas Cheer goes up from the Welford Road crowd as Tigers run up the tunnel after completing their final warm-ups. Moments to go here in this festive fixture.

0

CONFIRMED TEAM NEWS

Jordan Taufua makes his first appearance at Welford Road this afternoon, as he pulls on the No7 shirt to face Exeter. The back-rower’s previous appearances for the club since his arrival from New Zealand have both come on the road before being given a start in this Christmas fixture.

Elsewhere, England internationals Manu Tuilagi, Jonny May, George Ford, Ben Youngs, Dan Cole and Ellis Genge – marking his 50th start for the club – all return to the starting line-up alongside club captain Tom Youngs, and Tatafu Polota-Nau makes a return from injury to be named among the replacements.

Exeter retain six of their starting line-up from their European win over Sale Sharks last Sunday, and bring Don Armand and Matt Kvesic into the forward pack in a team captained by Henry Slade. High-profile summer signing Stuart Hogg starts at full-back.

See the full match line-ups by clicking here, or scrolling down on this page.

0

EXCLUSIVE | WHITE REVVED UP FOR CHIEFS CHALLENGE

Scrum-half Ben White explained that back-to-back European wins have set the men in green, white and red up nicely for a return to Premiership action – but that this afternoon will be a whole new challenge.

“It’s obviously good to pick up results on the road, which is something we haven’t done well in the last couple of years, so to do that – no matter how you get them – is important. That’s what we’re in this business for,” he said, in an exclusive chat for Matchday Live users.

“Exeter are a tough team to play against, but we’re definitely up for it. Every chance you get to play at Welford Road and play at home, it’s massive.

“We need to build that momentum and keep playing well, and try and build some performances no matter who we’re playing against. This week is a big challenge, and one we’re going to relish.”

0

TIGERS SET FOR CHRISTMAS BLOCK, SAYS YOUNGS

Club captain Tom Youngs has stressed his side must face the Chiefs ‘head-on’ this afternoon, ahead of two more huge games over the Christmas period against Harlequins and Bristol Bears.

“Our last game in the Premiership wasn’t, we felt, a reflection of what we’re about, but we’ve addressed a few things and we’re ready for Exeter at home, and then two big games after that,” he told LeicesterTigers.com earlier this week.

“The thing with Exeter is, they do what they do and don’t really change too much.

“You know what’s coming – the hard thing is going about stopping it. We’ve got to take them on, head-on. We know that.”

Read the skipper’s full preview of this Premiership block, right here.

0

FESTIVE FIXTURE PREVIEW

While it may only be December – and just Round 6 of this season’s Gallagher Premiership – Tigers take on Exeter Chiefs at Welford Road for the second time this term on Saturday afternoon.

Rob Baxter’s men were the first visitors of the campaign when they were beaten in the Premiership Rugby Cup back in September, with Noel Reid, Jordan Coghlan and Hanro Liebenberg all making their Tigers debuts and Calum Green making his first appearance since his summer return from Newcastle Falcons.

And, while both teams have four wins from four in European competition in recent weeks, this afternoon’s match is the first in a block of three domestic rounds over the Christmas period.

Read our full match preview here, or scroll down on this page.

0

WELCOME TO MATCHDAY LIVE!

We’re LIVE from Welford Road as Leicester Tigers take on Exeter Chiefs in the final home game of 2019, with kick-off to come at 3.00pm.

Follow all the action as it happens with our Matchday Live coverage, right here on the Tigers App and LeicesterTigers.com.


Opposition Lineup

Starting XV

15
Stuart Hogg
14
Olly Woodburn
13
Henry Slade
12
Ollie Devoto
11
Ian Whitten
10
9
Jack Maunder
1
Ben Moon
2
Elvis Taione
3
Harry Williams
4
Jannes Kirsten
5
Jonny Hill
6
Don Armand
7
Jacques Vermeulen
8
Matt Kvesic

Replacements

16
Kyle Cooper
17
Billy Keast
18
Enrique Pieretto
19
20
Sean Lonsdale
21
Stu Townsend
22
Sam Hill
23
Tom Hendrickson

Big-match preview | Tigers versus Chiefs

Exeter Chiefs visit Welford Road for the second time this season on Saturday, on this occasion in Round 6 of the Gallagher Premiership.

The Chiefs were the first visitors of the campaign when they were beaten in the Premiership Rugby Cup back in September, with Noel Reid, Jordan Coghlan and Hanro Liebenberg all making their Tigers debuts and Calum Green making his first appearance since his summer return from Newcastle Falcons.

Now Rob Baxter’s team return, sitting in third place in the Gallagher Premiership table after wins over Harlequins, Worcester and Wasps in the opening five rounds.

Both Tigers and the Chiefs go into the game on the back of four wins out of four in Europe over recent weeks.

While Tigers have beaten Pau, Cardiff Blues and Calvisano twice either side of a disappointing league defeat at derby rivals Northampton, the Chiefs top their pool in the Champions Cup and have won their last five games in all competitions since a home defeat by Bristol.

Overall, the two clubs have met on 60 previous occasions with Tigers winning 38 to 18 and four games drawn.

In team news announced on Friday, Tigers give Jordan Taufua his first appearance at Welford Road and England’s World Cup contingent, including George Ford and Manu Tuilagi, return to the starting line-up.

Head coach Geordan Murphy said: “Exeter’s style of play has been hugely impressive over the last five years, Rob Baxter has done a brilliant job of building a really competitive squad. They’ve got a style that really challenges you. It’s hugely important that we do our best to stop that.”

The Chiefs retain six of the starting line-up from their European win over Sale Sharks last Sunday and bring Don Armand and Matt Kvesic into the forward pack in a team captained by Henry Slade.

Their head coach Ali Hepher said: “You only have to look at Leicester’s teamsheet to see they have quality running throughout their team. They are a massive threat and they’ve had time to recharge themselves and get ready to go again this weekend.

“It’s a massive fixture in terms of the season. Ask any side in the division, it doesn’t get any bigger than playing Leicester away from home.

“That said, we’re really excited about the challenge, we’ve trained well this week, and we’re in a good position as a club. Hopefully, we can take that training form and recent performances out on to the pitch at the weekend.

“At times it’s been difficult to get enough game-time into some of the players, but this current period, almost to a man, everyone is getting a game, which is fantastic. As coaches, it allows us to see who the form horses are. Right now, there are lots of guys pressing hard and that is how we want it.”

Kick-off is at 3.00pm.

Match tickets are still available. Book in person at Welford Road, phone 0116 319 8888 (option 2) or online.

If you are unable to attend the game, you can follow the action with the club’s Matchday Live service on the Tigers app, or Tigers social media and website. Saturday’s game is also being shown live on BT Sport 2 and BT Sport Ultimate.

See our matchday guide for details of how to get the most out of your day and our Christmas activities at the stadium.

You can also enjoy a rugby double at Welford Road before Christmas with a Premiership Shield fixture for the Tigers Development XV against Northampton Wanderers on Monday evening (7.30pm). Click here for more details.

Team news | Tigers versus Chiefs

Figure image

Jordan Taufua makes his first appearance at Welford Road this weekend as Leicester Tigers host Exeter Chiefs in Round 6 of the Gallagher Premiership season.

Back-rower Taufua’s previous appearances for the club since his arrival from New Zealand have come on the road before being given a start in this Christmas fixture.

England internationals Manu Tuilagi, Jonny May, George Ford, Ben Youngs, Ellis Genge and Dan Cole all return to the starting line-up alongside club captain Tom Youngs in the final home game of 2019.

Tatafu Polota-Nau returns after injury and is named among the replacements.

Tigers head coach Geordan Murphy said: “We’ve rotated gametime through the whole squad through the European weeks because we want to grow the squad and we had a big physical contest in Italy last week which could be useful with Exeter coming here with a powerful and explosive pack.

“It’s hugely important that we step up against a very good Exeter side at the start of big period in the league season.”

Tickets are still available at the Tigers ticket office, Book in person, phone 0116 319 8888 (option 2) or online at www.leicestertigers.com

Leicester Tigers (v Exeter Chiefs, Welford Road, Saturday 3.00pm)

15 Telusa Veainu

14 Adam Thompstone

13 Manu Tuilagi

12 Noel Reid

11 Jonny May

10 George Ford

9 Ben Youngs

1 Ellis Genge

2 Tom Youngs (c)

3 Dan Cole

4 Tomás Lavanini

5 Will Spencer

6 Calum Green

7 Jordan Taufua

8 Sione Kalamafoni

Replacements

16 Tatafu Polota-Nau

17 Facundo Gigena

18 Nephi Leatigaga

19 Harry Wells

20 Tommy Reffell

21 Ben White

22 Tom Hardwick

23 George Worth

Exeter Chiefs: 15 Stuart Hogg, 14 Olly Woodburn, 13 Henry Slade (c), 12 Ollie Devoto, 11 Ian Whitten, 10 Gareth Steenson, 9 Jack Maunder; 1 Ben Moon, 2 Elvis Taione, 3 Harry Williams, 4 Jannes Kirsten, 5 Jonny Hill, 6 Don Armand, 7 Jacques Vermeulen, 8 Matt Kvesic

Replacements: 16 Kyle Cooper, 17 Billy Keast, 18 Enrique Pieretto, 19 Dave Dennis, 20 Sean Lonsdale, 21 Stuart Townsend, 22 Sam Hill, 23 Tom Hendrickson

 

 

posteamteam namepldwdlfadifftftatblbpts
1
Exeter Chiefs
Exeter ChiefsEXE22150763044318783569574
11
Leicester Tigers
Leicester TigersLEI226115374609-23535791229
Form Guide
Form
LWWLL
Last Match
Lost to Gloucester Rugby 25-27
Past Meeting
Lost 10-29
Form
Last Match
Past Meeting
Form
WLLLW
Last Match
Beat Newcastle Falcons 25-16
Past Meeting
Won 29-10

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