Montoya, Pollard return for East Midlands Derby
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Leicester Tigers have named their matchday squad for Saturday’s East Midlands Derby against Northampton Saints at 5:30pm at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.
The latest chapter in rugby’s greatest rivalry sees the return of international duo Julián Montoya and Handré Pollard, Montoya leading the team as captain.
Olly Cracknell comes back into the team at number eight, with Dan Kelly and Joseph Woodward combining in the centres.
Leicester Tigers head coach, Michael Cheika said: “Having Julián and Handré back this week is great. Both were given some time to get themselves ready for this weekend’s East Midlands Derby game and they both very excited about being back in Tigers colours against Northampton on Saturday.”
“It’s clear to me as a newcomer to Tigers, that this game has extra meaning for our club, players and fans alike, and we are looking forward to what that challenge will bring and its absolutely great to be a part of it.”
STARTING XV
15 Freddie Steward [91]
14 Anthony Watson [20]
13 Dan Kelly [83]
12 Joseph Woodward [10]
11 Ollie Hassell-Collins [25]
10 Handré Pollard [33]
9 Jack van Poortvliet [76]
1 Nicky Smith [3]
2 Julián Montoya [59]
3 Joe Heyes [143]
4 Harry Wells [202]
5 Ollie Chessum [58]
6 Hanro Liebenberg [110]
7 Tommy Reffell [117]
8 Olly Cracknell [45]
REPLACEMENTS
16 Charlie Clare [98]
17 James Cronin [37]
18 Dan Cole [326]
19 Côme Joussain [3]
20 Emeka Ilione [23]
21 Ben Youngs [317]
22 Jamie Shillcock [29]
23 Will Wand [1]
- Most experienced: Dan Cole, 325 appearances
- Youngest: Joseph Woodward, 21
- Hanro Liebenberg has scored more tries (two) and crossed the gain-line more times (13) than any other Tigers player this season.
- Tigers’ opponents have scored a try during just 18% of their 22-entries – the lowest rate in the league.
