Duo set for Tigers debuts against Brive

December 10, 2020
2820
Ultimate Rugby

Leicester Tigers head coach Steve Borthwick has named his team for the opening game in the European Challenge Cup, against French visitors Brive at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on Friday evening (7.45pm).

Matias Moroni and Luan de Bruin are in line for their club debuts.

Freddie Steward continues at full-back, with Fiji international duo Kini Murimurivalu and Nemani Nadolo on the wings on their return from Test duty, while Argentina international Moroni makes his Tigers debut alongside Matt Scott at centre.

Joaquín Díaz Bonilla and Ben White start at half-back after appearances from the bench in each of the first three games in the domestic season.

Club captain Tom Youngs is in the centre of the front row and is joined by Nephi Leatigaga and Joe Heyes, who makes his 50th first-team appearance for the club.

Tomás Lavanini returns from an injury picked up in the semi-final of this competition last season to join Harry Wells at lock, with Jordan Taufua starting in the back row alongside Hanro Liebenberg and Jasper Wiese.

Former South Africa Under-20s prop De Bruin joins Charlie Clare, Calum Green and Cyle Brink among the replacements where there is also a place for Guy Porter and England internationals Ellis Genge, Ben Youngs and George Ford.