It’s a situation most Director’s of Rugby would dream about – sitting in the Premiership top four, going into a home Champions Cup quarter-final and having one of your star players back fit and showing his worth on the pitch. Richard Cockerill has a lot to be smiling about.
Cockerill and Tuilagi Ready For European Quarter-Final
And so do the Leicester Tigers supporters, who have been looking forward to European action since they secured home advantage back in January. Since then the Midlands giants have won five and lost five in the Premiership, falling victim to player absence through injury and international duty, as well as having periods during games that Cockerill describes as “drossy”. But unlike other teams in a similar boat, Tigers have had one eye on this Sunday, where they play host to current Top 14 Champions Stade Francais. Despite having a run of poor form in recent weeks and sitting third from the bottom in this year’s French league, Cockerill understands the visiting team this Sunday will be more than tough competition.
“They’ve had some injury issues. The last six or seven weeks they’ve had the Six Nations, they’ve had a mixed team. I imagine they’ll come fully loaded.
“They’re unlikely to make Europe from their league (Top 14) position and there’s no chance of them getting relegated, so I imagine this will be their only focus. It probably makes them more dangerous. They’ve only got one thought and that’s Europe and knowing they were sixth in their league last year and they ended up being Champions, I’m acutely aware they can win big, one off games.
“We won’t be complacent in any shape or form.”
The appointment of Kiwi’s Scott Hansen and Aaron Mauger in the coaching line-up, as well as Geordan Murphy, has developed Tigers’ backline into something enviable. Telusa Veainu and Peter Betham regularly hold top spots in the Premiership statistics charts when racking up tries week in week out. However the speed and flair of the backs will only be utilised when the forwards secure the ball in what will be physically demanding play. The front eight will be under pressure, aware that Stade’s pack are heavily driven by winning set pieces and therefore gaining ground. Leicester’s DOR seems to think England and Lions capped Tom Croft will be a vital part in winning a set piece, which is of most importance when facing such a clinical side.
“He’s not a big ball carrying six. He’s more of a lineout expert and playing in the wide channels.
“The set piece is going to be pivotal. Anybody who plays against a French side knows – the lineout, the scrum – that physical contest is the first thing they’ll go to. We’ll have to make sure we’re very good at that. I think we’re playing slightly differently… We’ve got a few individuals who give us spark, and we’re trying to get the balls into the hands of those individuals as soon as possible because it makes things happen, but there’s still the fundamentals. We have to make sure our set piece is very good. The physical battle’s going to be key across the board, in the forward pack and in the backline.”
One player who’s physical influence never goes unnoticed is Manu Tuilagi, who’s 15 month stint out through injury has made him more determined to prove his talent on field, whether that be by running through or around the opposition. Picked up soon after his club comeback by Eddie Jones, Tuilagi impressed during England’s grand slam Six Nations win and was credited for easing back into international standard rugby so quickly. Describing it to me as being a “compliment”, his appreciation to have featured in the England squad runs parallel to his happiness to be back playing rugby again.
“When we won in France, I didn’t play the game and it was a different feeling. Not long ago I was on the side line, and then I was there winning the Grand Slam. So for me, all the hard work pays off when you think about it.
“When you’re fit and well you don’t realise how lucky you are. Being able to come here everyday and get out on the pitch and train with the boys. It’s what you love. Now I’m enjoying every moment.”
Back at Leicester, his talent with ball in hand as well as in defence has earned him the 12 shirt and allowed him to play alongside a backline unfamiliar to his previous seasons with Tigers. The new formation seems to work though, with Goneva, Betham and Veainu all each scoring a try to accompany Manu’s two in last Saturday’s win over Gloucester. The Samoan-born powerhouse hails his fellow speedsters, revealing they “bring out the best in each other.”
“Peter and Telusa. You saw them at the weekend, bringing that power and that pace into the game and for me it’s nice to give them the ball and follow them round on the pitch.
“I think we bring the best out in each other.”
So much so, it seems Manu’s awe of his teammates could disrupt his concentration on playing his own game. Relaxed and with a big smile on his face, he laughed
“Sometimes it’s quite hard. You feel like you’re just watching. You forget you’re playing!”
Preparing for this Sunday, Manu describes the occasion perfectly. “These big games don’t come round very often.”
“Now we’re just looking forward to it.”
Leicester Tigers take on Stade Francais this Sunday 10th April, with kick off at 1.45pm.
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