Can James O'Connor, the veteran Wallaby, steer Leicester Tigers to victory against the formidable Bath? This weekend's match-up at Welford Road is more than just a game; it's a rematch of last season's Premiership final, promising a clash of titans.
Tigers' coach Geoff Parling has strategically selected 12 players from the team that narrowly lost to Bath in the 212th encounter of this historic rivalry. O'Connor, stepping up to the fly-half position, is set to make his first Gallagher Premiership start for Leicester. He'll be partnering with scrum-half Tom Whiteley, aiming for the 122nd win for the Tigers in this long-standing fixture.
But here's where it gets interesting: O'Connor's last PREM start was back in May 2019 for Sale Sharks, and his last time starting at fly-half was in November 2017. This year, he's only started five games: once for the Crusaders, and three times for Australia in the Rugby Championship, plus twice against the Springboks and once against the All Blacks.
Key Match Details:
- Fixture: Gallagher Premiership
- Teams: Leicester vs. Bath
- Date: October 18th
- Time: 07:05
Parling has also bolstered the starting lineup with Joe Heyes, Cam Henderson, Olly Cracknell, Joseph Woodward, and Solomone Kata.
“We’re looking forward to being back at Mattioli Woods Welford Road, and while Bath are obviously playing well, we’ll look to focus on what we can do and how we can keep improving our game. Tom and James bring great experience at nine and 10, and it’s great to welcome Joe, Crackers and Woody back in the starting line-up,” said Parling.
Leicester Tigers XV: Freddie Steward, Adam Radwan, Sol Kata, Joseph Woodward, Ollie Hassell Collins, James O’Connor, Tom Whiteley, Nicky Smith, Jamie Blamire, Joe Heyes, Cameron Henderson, Ollie Chessum (C), Hanro Liebenberg, Tommy Reffell, Olly Cracknell.
Replacements: Charlie Clare, Ale Loman, Will Hurd, Harry Wells, Emeka Ilione, Ollie Allan, Billy Searle, Will Wand.
Could O'Connor's experience be the game-changer? What do you think about the strategic choices made by the Tigers? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
