Leicester Tigers return to Mattioli Woods Welford Road for the final match of the 2024/25 Premiership Women's Rugby season.
Under Friday Night Lights, Tigers welcome Exeter Chiefs to town, looking to keep up the momentum from last week's win away at Trailfinders Women.
Leicester scored seven tries, with a try bonus achieved in the first half, as the side played what head coach Tom Hudson described as their 'most complete performance of the season'.
A hat-trick from Francesca McGhie, two tries from Tahlia Brody, a Meg Jones grubber through and a penalty try helped the visitors to a comprehensive lead after an hour played, one which they held to secure their fourth win of the season.
"Last week was, for 90% of the match, our most complete performance so we need to make sure we carry that momentum into our final game," Hudson said.
"We were clinical when we had momentum and the areas we had targeted during the week, at scrum time and the breakdown, really paid off for us. We've enjoyed another strong week of training going into the final round of action so we're looking forward to the occasion."
Following on from last week's victory, Hudson makes just one change to the starting XV, with captain Roisin McBrien moving to the second row and USA international Keia Mae Sagapolu Sanele set to start at flanker.
Sagapolu Sanele is named in the starting XV for the first time in this season's PWR, partnering Tahlia Brody and Katie Childs in the back row, whilst, on the bench, Leah Heath and Amanda Swartz both return.
The visitors, meanwhile, are looking to 'finish on a high' following the pending retirement of club stalwart Rachel Johnson.
The USA Eagle is set to start for one final time, in a back row that also contains Red Rose Maddie Feaunati and forthcoming club centurion Ebony Jefferies.
Speaking ahead of the game, Head Coach Tom Hudson said: "We're really excited to have Keia Mae back in the starting XV. It's been a tough season for her with injuries but we know the impact she brings to the field, especially in her tackling game.
"I'm hoping most elements pick up where we left off from Saturday. Our set piece and open play attack was the best I have seen from this team but we know we'll have to shore up our defence in order to end the season on a high."
That attacking fluidity contributed to an electric hat-trick for wing Francesca McGhie.
The Scot's three tries are the second hattrick by a Tiger this season, making a round-high six clean breaks and 185 metres.
The hosts are expected to see plenty of the ball which should grant the likes of Claire Gallagher and Meg Jones opportunities to exploit broken field. Chiefs fly half Liv McGoverne has made over 30 more kicks in play and 1,200 more kick in play metres than any other player this season.
However, Leicester will have a hard-working Exeter defence to contend with - the Chiefs have made the most tackles per 80 minutes this season (184), whilst also winning the second-most turnovers per 80 minutes (8.2). They are lead by captain Poppy Leitch, who leads the whole league for rucks hit (428) and is second for tackles made (211).
Finally, the set piece always plays a key role in any win and Leicester have the numbers on their side. Tigers have the highest scrum success rate in the league, winning 94.2% of scrums this season.
"We have been delighted with the home support we've received this season and we're sure this Friday will be no different. We can't wait to be back home," said Hudson.
Get your tickets now for our final Premiership Women's Rugby match of 2024/25, when we welcome Exeter Chiefs on Friday, February 21 (7.45pm).
The match is part of a Double Header with an academy fixture preceding the women's match under the Friday Night Lights.
