EDF ENERGY CUP

News | Fixtures & Results | Tables

EDF Final Preview: Leicester v Ospreys

Friday 11th April 2008

On the charge: Tiatia is back in the Ospreys side to add some muscle

Saturday's EDF Energy Cup final will see a repeat of last year's thrilling encounter as the Ospreys look to dethrone reigning champions Leicester at Twickenham.

Still smarting from their Heineken Cup exit at the hands of Saracens, the Ospreys know that Saturday is very much a case of last chance saloon.

Unexpectedly out of the Heineken Cup and without a hope in the Magners League, this game represents their last chance of silverware for the season.

To say it is expected that they win at least one trophy a season is an understatement, after all Mike Cuddy, Ospreys Managing Director, has not poured endless money into the region for nothing. Widely regarded as Wales' premier region, it is time Lyn Jones' star-studded squad delivered on the big stage.

Such is the expectation at the Ospreys that Cuddy has launched a full-scale investigation into his side's disappointing showing in the Heineken Cup. A little harsh? Not when you take into account that their squad includes no fewer than fourteen Welsh Grand Slam winners and three All Blacks.

With a roster of that magnitude results are expected.

To that note, Saturday may be last chance saloon for Ospreys' head coach, Lyn Jones, as well. Five years at the helm and only two Magners League titles to show for his efforts, hardly awe-inspiring stuff.

One can't help but feel a big name coach will be readied should Saturday result in another defeat.

It will not be easy - no matter how many internationals Jones fields - as Leicester are Cup experts with a wealth of big match experience. And despite several injuries, coupled with Seru Rabeni's suspension, coach Marcelo Loffreda is able to field a strong side.

There will, to a certain degree, be an element of pressure on Loffreda as well.

The former Pumas' coach is new to the Tigers this season and will have a point to prove, especially given that he failed to lead his side out of the Heineken Cup pool stages. Whilst they are still very much in the Guinness Premiership mix, he will be keen to secure an early success on Saturday.

As expected Gavin Henson misses the game due to injury and his place is taken by Andrew Bishop. And despite being disappointed to lose Henson, Lyn Jones is looking forward to seeing how Bishop goes on the big stage.

"It is disappointing news that we have to go into the game without Gavin Henson," said Jones.

"As is always the case, his absence provides someone else with an opportunity. In Andrew Bishop, we have a talented youngster who has a considerable amount of experience for a 22-year-old."

Henson's absence aside the Ospreys back-line is unchanged from last weekend and will be keen to exorcise the ghost of the Saracens debacle.

The pack is not afforded the same luxury however as Jones rings the changes up front.

In come Paul James, Richard Hibbard, Ian Evans and Filo Tiatia. James and Hibbard come in at loosehead and hooker respectively, whilst Ian Evans is a straight swap for Ian Gough.

The inclusion of Tiatia sees a reshuffle in the back row, with captain Ryan Jones shifting to number six and Tiatia assuming the number eight role.

Loffreda's team includes thirteen survivors from last year's final and sees a return to action for All Black centre Aaron Mauger. He will be partnered by England cap Dan Hipkiss, with Andy Goode and Harry Ellis continuing at half-back.

Ben Herring passed a late fitness test and will take his place at number seven, with captain Martin Corry at six and Jordan Crane in the number eight jersey.

As has become the way at Leicester they feature a strong bench, including three England caps - Tom Croft the most recent of them. Tom Varndell, who wants to press his England claim once again, will have to settle for a bit-part role on Saturday.

Form: It has been something of a mixed season for the Ospreys, and this is reflected in their recent form. In their last ten games they have won six and lost four, although the most telling defeat came at the hand of Saracens in last weekend's Heineken Cup quarter-final. For their part Leicester have also been hit-and-miss this of late, having also won six of their last ten games. Their EDF Energy semi-final win of Wasps was a classic performance but before that they had recently lost to the likes of Worcester and Edinburgh - games they would normally expect to win. Despite four defeats in their last six Guinness Premiership outings they are still fourth and currently in the play-offs.

Head-to-Head: It might seem an obvious one but the showdown between Shane Williams and Alesana Tuilagi will be a vital one. The fleet-footed Williams will look to dazzle his way past the powerful Samoan, who himself will opt for the direct approach. Both players have the ability to turn games but Williams, high on confidence, will feel he can get the better of this battle. No quarter will be expected and none will be given.

Prediction: The weight of expectation will be too heavy for the Ospreys, so expect their problems to deepen as Leicester claim another cup victory. It will be a tense affair but the East Midlands club will run out winners. Leicester to win by seven points.

The Teams:

Leicester Tigers: 15 Johne Murphy, 14 Ollie Smith, 13 Dan Hipkiss, 12 Aaron Mauger, 11 Alesana Tuilagi, 10 Andy Goode, 9 Harry Ellis, 8 Jordan Crane, 7 Ben Herring, 6 Martin Corry (c), 5 Ben Kay, 4 Louis Deacon, 3 Martin Castrogiovanni, 2 George Chuter, 1 Boris Stankovich.
Replacements: 16 Benjamin Kayser, 17 Julian White, 18 Richard Blaze, 19 Tom Croft, 20 Christophe Laussucq, 21 Sam Vesty, 22 Tom Varndell.

Ospreys: 15 Lee Byrne, 14 Johnny Vaughton, 13 Sonny Parker, 12 Andrew Bishop, 11 Shane Williams, 10 James Hook, 9 Justin Marshall, 8 Filo Tiatia, 7 Marty Holah, 6 Ryan Jones (c), 5 Ian Evans, 4 Alun Wyn Jones, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Richard Hibbard, 1 Paul James.
Replacements: 16 Huw Bennett, 17 Duncan Jones, 18 Ian Gough, 19 Jonathan Thomas, 20 Gareth Owen, 21 Jonathan Spratt, 22 Aled Brew.

Date: Saturday 12 April, 2008
Kick-off: 14:30 BST, 13:30 GMT
Venue: Twickenham
Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland)