Premiership Rugby Preview - Bristol Bears vs Leicester Tigers

As things stand, Leicester are still sitting pretty at the top of the table after an extraordinary run of form has seen them with nine consecutive victories from as many performances. This round, they face the challenge of Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate. It has been a trying season for the Bears who have not tasted victory since the first week of November. Most recently, they fell to Gloucester at Kingsholm: 

The Tigers’ latest victims were defending champs, Harlequins – a tight encounter which was decided by only two points: 

Bears have a long way to climb if they are to salvage their season while Leicester have the almost unenviable task of maintaining their dominance on the competition. 

Team News:

Bristol Bears: Semi Radradra makes his first start of the season with Pat Lam making 7 changes. Director of Rugby Pat Lam includes Sam Bedlow and Ioan Lloyd in the backline, while British & Irish Lion prop Kyle Sinckler and Yann Thomas return to the front row. Bristol also name Academy graduate duo Sam Jeffries and Fitz Harding in the back row for the encounter against the league leaders.

Leicester Tigers: Ellis Genge and George Ford return for Tigers. Previewing the Boxing Day fixture, Borthwick said: “We know Sunday will be a big challenge for us against a Bristol Bears team who have world class players available for selection again."

Here are the match day squads: