Leicester-lad returns for Tigers
Sam Vesty makes his first starting appearance of the season for Leicester Tigers in Saturday’s Heineken Cup tie against Viadana at Welford Road.
Leicester-born Vesty ended 2008/09 as Players’ Player of the Season and gained his first England caps in the summer, but was sidelined by a hamstring injury at the start of this season.
He wears the No. 12 shirt, with Alesana Tuilagi recalled to a starting role on the wing.
In the forwards, head coach Richard Cockerill brings in George Chuter at hooker, while Tom Croft and Ben Woods are given starts in the back row.
Aaron Mauger is selected among the replacements on his return from injury.
Cockerill said: “What pleases me most with our performances in recent weeks is that we have been consistent in the way we have been playing. We have improved week on week and we have put teams under pressure.
“We have competition for places and everyone in the team knows they have to earn their place.
“Viadana are a difficult team to break down, they’ve got a big forward pack and a bit of experience in the backline, and they will be very physical. We have to maintain the intensity we have shown in recent weeks.”
The teams:
Leicester: 15 Scott Hamilton, 14 Alesana Tuilagi, 13 Dan Hipkiss, 12 Sam Vesty, 11 Lote Tuqiri, 10 Toby Flood, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Jordan Crane, 7 Ben Woods, 6 Tom Croft, 5 Geoff Parling, 4 Louis Deacon, 3 Dan Cole, 2 George Chuter, 1 Marcos Ayerza.
Replacements: 16 Mefin Davies, 17 Boris Stankovich, 18 Julian White, 19 Craig Newby, 20 Lewis Moody, 21 James Grindal, 22 Aaron Mauger, 23 Johne Murphy.
Viadana: 15 Garry Law, 14 Matteo Pratichetti, 13 Sam Cox, 12 Lloyd Johansson, 11 Michele Sepe, 10 Pierre Hola, 9 Pablo Canavosio, 8 Jaco Erasmus, 7 Andrea Benatti, 6 Aaron Persico, 5 Sean Hohneck, 4 Carlo del Fava, 3 Julio Garcia, 2 Luigi Ferraro, 1 Plinio Sciamanna.
Replacements: 16 Roberto Santamaria, 17 Luigi Milani, 18 Mattia Cagna, 19 Josh Furno, 20 Gareth Krause, 21 Mickey Wilson, 22 Aldo Birchall, 23 Samuele Pace.
Date: Saturday, January 16
Kick-off: 14:00
Venue: Welford Road
Referee: James Jones (Wales)
