An inaugural meeting between Leicester Tigers and Hollywoodbets Sharks awaits at Mattioli Woods Welford Road as Michael Cheika's side look to give their Investec Champions Cup campaign an important shot in the arm at home.
Sharks took care of business in round one, beating Exeter 39-21. Tigers left Stade Chaban-Delmas with a try bonus-point, but will ultimately feel more could have been achieved against Bordeaux-Begles.
It's not the 'moving round' quite yet, but victory at home will give Tigers the platform to qualify in good position, in the new year. The result is paramount, bonus-points and points difference will all be part of the final equation, but Tigers know, having been stuck in second gear against a similarly-strong Stormers selection last season, that no matter who Sharks send to Leicester, they will be up for the challenge.
Check out the full Game Plan here.
KEY TIMINGS
1.00pm - Final Whistle Bar OPENS
3.00pm - Junior Tigers Club OPENS
3.15pm - The Plaza OPENS
LIVE MUSIC: DJ in the Marquee
Food Trucks, Bars & Club Partner giveaways available
4.10pm - The Plaza Prowl
5.30pm - Kick Off: Leicester Tigers v Hollywoodbets Sharks
7.30pm - LIVE MUSIC: DJ in the Marquee
Indeed, Sharks have left the majority of their big names in South Africa, but their quality and depth shines through. The Hendrikse brothers, Jaden and Jordan, are stars of the now and superstars of the future. Tighthead Trevor Nyakane is in tow as well.
Tigers look strong with Pollard, Martin, Reffell and Smith all back after resting last week. Cameron Henderson will get the cheer of the night when he comes onto the field.
Tigers have played South African opponents on ten previous occasions in their history and lost just twice, both at Mattioli Woods Welford Road against South African Forces in 1919 and the South African Barbarians in 1993.
Leicester's only previous EPCR clash against a team from South Africa was a 35-26 home win over the DHL Stormers last December.
Freddie Steward gained 304 metres against Bordeaux-Begles, including 240 metres from kick returns, both the highest tallies in a European match since Opta have recorded this data
Referee: Andrea Piardi
Assistant Referees: Manuel Bottino, Filippo Russo
TMO: Matteo Liperini
