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Nadolo set for debut as Leicester name much-changed team to face London Irish

(Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images)

Leicester Tigers head coach Steve Borthwick has made 14 changes to the matchday squad for Wednesday evening’s Gallagher Premiership game against London Irish at Welford Road, a reshuffle that includes a club debut for new signing Nemani Nadolo. 

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Ellis Genge and Tom Youngs return after missing Saturday’s fixture and are joined in the front row by fellow international Dan Cole, who came off the bench in the weekend home defeat to Bath. 

Tigers academy graduates Harry Wells and Calum Green make up the second row with Hanro Liebenberg included at blindside flanker for his first start since the Premiership resumed. He is alongside Tommy Reffell and Jordan Taufua.

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RugbyPass brings you Nadolo, the documentary on the life and times of Fijian legend Nemani Nadolo

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RugbyPass brings you Nadolo, the documentary on the life and times of Fijian legend Nemani Nadolo

Ben Youngs and George Ford return at half-back with fellow international pairing Matt Scott and Jaco Taute in the midfield. Nadolo will make his highly-anticipated debut for Leicester while David Williams, who made his senior club debut away to Exeter in round 14, is on the other wing.

Academy graduate Freddie Steward is at full-back in his first starting appearance of the resumed 2019/20 campaign. Included among the replacements is Charlie Clare, who scored his first Tigers try in last weekend’s outing at Welford Road, and is joined by Joe Heyes and Nephi Leatigaga as front row cover.

George Martin is in line for his second Premiership appearance after impressing in his debut on Saturday, with Luke Wallace the other forward on the bench. Backs replacements are Tigers Academy graduates Ben White and Jordan Olowofela, as well as recent addition Zack Henry.

Borthwick said: “Every day you have got to find ways to learn. When you have short turnarounds and midweek games, a lot of that learning is off the field, so we need to make sure we maximise those opportunities. Preparation has gone well and we are really looking forward to the game.

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“The players are excited about it and the opportunity to get back on to the field. It’s exciting to see Nemani Nadolo in his first game for Leicester Tigers, he has worked exceptionally hard over a number of weeks. It’s also great to see someone like George Martin, who played exceptionally well on Saturday, on the bench this week to finish the game.”

For London Irish, Ben Meehan and Paddy Jackson are chosen to start at scrum-half and fly-half respectively, but there is no return for Sean O’Brien who skippered the team in the 2019/20 restart loss at Bath. That was only the former Ireland international’s second appearance for the club after he signed in 2019 and he is now unavailable once more. 

LEICESTER TIGERS: 15. Freddie Steward; 14. David Williams, 13, Jaco Taute, 12. Matt Scott, 11. Nemani Nadolo; 10. George Ford, 9. Ben Youngs; 1. Ellis Genge, 2. Tom Youngs (capt), 3. Dan Cole, 4. Harry Wells, 5. Calum Green, 6. Hanro Liebenberg, 7. Tommy Reffell, 8. Jordan Taufua. Reps: 16. Charlie Clare, 17. Nephi Leatigaga, 18. Joe Heyes, 19. George Martin, 20. Luke Wallace, 21. Ben White, 22. Zack Henry, 23. Jordan Olowofela.

LONDON IRISH: 15. Tom Homer; 14. Tom Parton, 13. Curtis Rona, 12. Terrence Hepetema, 11. Ollie Hassell-Collins; 10. Paddy Jackson, 9. Ben Meehan; 1. Harry Elrington, 2. Motu Matu’u, 3. Sekope Kepu, 4. George Nott, 5. Sebastian de Chaves, 6. Ben Donnell, 7. Blair Cowan (capt), 8. Albert Tuisue. Reps: 16. Matt Cornish, 17. Will Goodrick-Clarke, 18. Lovejoy Chawatama, 19. Jack Cooke, 20. TJ Ioane, 21. Rory Brand, 22. Jacob Atkins, 23. Ross Neal.

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Hellhound 9 minutes ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

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RedWarrior 50 minutes ago
'They smelt it': Scott Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' vulnerability

I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.

Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.

Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.

They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.

That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.

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