Borthwick changes four for Wasps

February 19, 2021
1554
Ultimate Rugby

Steve Borthwick has named the Leicester Tigers matchday squad to face Wasps on Saturday (February 20) at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.

The Tigers head coach has made four changes to the starting line-up which took on Harlequins in Round 9 of the Gallagher Premiership season.

Dan Cole returns to the starting side at tighthead prop to join Julián Montoya and Luan de Bruin in the front row.

In the second row, Tomás Lavanini partners Calum Green as the Tigers Academy graduate makes his 50th senior appearance for Leicester.

Jasper Wiese returns at No8, with Hanro Liebenberg moving to the blindside, and Cyle Brink is at openside flanker in an all-South African back row.

George Martin, who scored a try in last weekend’s game against Harlequins, is unavailable for selection after being called up to the England squad.

Richard Wigglesworth will link-up with Zack Henry as the half-backs on Saturday, with the scrum-half named as captain for the second time in just his fifth appearance for Leicester Tigers.

Argentina international Matías Moroni moves from the wing to outside-centre to join Matt Scott in the Leicester midfield.

Kobus Van Wyk returns on the right wing alongside Kini Murimurivalu and Freddie Steward in the Tigers back three.

Tom Youngs, Nephi Leatigaga, Joe Heyes, Harry Wells and Tommy Reffell are the forwards named on the bench, with Jack Van Poortvliet, Johnny McPhillips and Dan Kelly the backs named among the replacements.

Speaking about the matchday squad, Borthwick said: “We are excited about the squad named for this weekend’s game and it is great to be able to welcome back Jasper, Kobus and Richard. It’s important the entire group deliver an 80-minute effort and performance our supporters can be proud of come full-time on Saturday.”

Discussing Saturday’s visitors to Mattioli Woods Welford Road, the Tigers head coach added: “Wasps are a team with threats across their side and we are looking forward to the challenge on Saturday afternoon.”

Borthwick also paid tribute to Leicester lock Calum Green, one of eight Tigers Academy graduates in the matchday squad, ahead of his 50th senior appearance for the club.

“Calum is a leader within our squad and a great example of what we pride ourselves on as a club,” he said.

“He is a passionate, proud Leicester Tigers player and, since returning to the club he rose through the ranks of as a youngster two seasons ago, has continued to develop as a player and person on and off the pitch.

“Calum has played a big part in the process of building the foundations for us to take forward into the future as a group.

“It is very important we have individuals who understand our community and what it means to represent Leicestershire and Tigers supporters as well as the DNA of our club, the people of our area and Tigers legacy we need to carry on.”