Leicester v S Africa: Teams

At Welford Road, Friday November 6, kick-off 7.45pm

Last updated: 6th November 2009  

Leicester v S Africa: Teams

Tuqiri: Debut

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New Leicester signing Lote Tuqiri is set to make his debut from the bench when the Tigers tackle South Africa at Welford Road.

Director of rugby Richard Cockerill has opted to name a strong-looking line-up for the friendly, despite being without back rows Tom Croft, Lewis Moody and Jordan Crane, lock Louis Deacon and centre Dan Hipkiss, who are all on England duty.

There is still plenty of international experience in the Tigers line-up, with Aaron Mauger set to skipper the side at fly-half and Tuqiri ready to make an impact off the bench.

And South Africa assistant coach Dick Muir is expecting former All Black Mauger to control things.

"Mauger is a great player and they have obviously opted for his experience at 10 with Toby Flood injured," said Muir.

"With a young centre pair they will be relying on Mauger to steady things, which is not unexpected."

Eagerness

The Springboks have opted to include their fringe players in their line-up for the match - although Ruan Pienaar, Danie Rossouw and Wynand Olivier will be among those pushing for places in the Test team.

And Muir claimed he was pleased with his side's preparations for the match.

"The guys are raring to go because this is a big occasion for many of them," he added.

"It's not only about guys making their Springbok debuts, but also about all of these players pushing for inclusion in the Test side.

"There is a lot to play for and I am confident the enthusiasm and eagerness will translate onto the pitch."

Leicester Tigers: 15 Scott Hamilton, 14 Lucas Amorosino, 13 Andy Forsyth, 12 Manu Tuilagi, 11 Johne Murphy, 10 Aaron Mauger (c), 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Brett Deacon, 7 Ben Pienaar, 6 Geoff Parling, 5 Ben Kay, 4 Calum Green, 3 Martin Castrogiovanni, 2 Mefin Davies, 1 Marcos Ayerza.
Replacements:16 George Chuter, 17 Dan Cole, 18 Tom Armes, 19 Dan Hemingway, 20 James Grindal, 21 Greig Tonks, 22 Lote Tuqiri.

South Africa: 15 Earl Rose, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Juan de Jongh, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Jongi Nokwe, 10 Ruan Pienaar, 9 Heini Adams, 8 Ashley Johnson, 7 Davon Raubenheimer, 6 Dewald Potgieter, 5 Andries Bekker, 4 Danie Rossouw, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle (c), 1 Gurthro Steenkamp.
Replacements: 16 Bandise Maku, 17 Heinke van der Merwe, 18 Alistair Hargreaves, 19 Jean Deysel, 20 Francois Hougaard, 21 Meyer Bosman, 22 Riaan Viljoen.