Ben Youngs retired from England duty after the 2023 World Cup Ben Youngs and Dan Cole will start their final Leicester Tigers match at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on the bench. The former England duo, who both won well over 100 international capsand will retire at the end of the season,are among Leicester's replacements for Saturday's Premiership play-off semi-final against Sale. Tigers head coach Michael Cheika has made three changes from the side which beat Newcastle Falcons 42-20last weekend. Youngs - looking to bow out with a sixth Premiership title with Tigers - and Cole, chasing a fifth crown, are replaced in the starting line-up by Jack van Poortvliet and Joe Heyes, while Adam Radwan will play on the wing in place of Josh Bassett. Sale have England duo Tom Roebuck and Tom Curry both available after injury forced them to miss the final game of the regular season as Sharksbeat Exeter to clinch their semi-final spot. They are the only changes made by director of rugby Alex Sanderson as he tries to steer Sale to a second Premiership final in three years. Roebuck, one of four Sharks players named in the Premiership team of the season alongside Ben Curry, fly-half George Ford and centre Rob du Preez, has recovered from a calf issue and comes in on the right wing for Tom O'Flaherty. Scotland winger Arron Reed starts on the left and Joe Carpenter at full-back completes the back three. Flanker Tom Curry is restored at blind-side with brother Ben on the opposite side and Jean-Luc du Preez at number eight. They will operate behind an all-England front row where props Bevan Rodd and Asher Opoku-Fordjour start either side of hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie. Player-of-the-year nominee Ford partners England scrum-half Raffi Quirke for the second week in a row with Rekeiti Ma'asi-White and ex-Springbok Rob du Preez, who played every minute of every Premiership game this season, in the centres. Outgoing Tigers boss Cheikabrings fit-again Australian centre Izaia Perese back among the replacements as former England international Mike Brown drops out of the matchday squad. That could spell the end of Brown's professional career as he isalso retiringat the end of the season. The match will also feature Leicester skipper Julian Montoya leading out the side for the final time at home ahead of hissummer move to Pau. Tom Roebuck has recovered from a calf strain to take his place in the Sale side Leicester:Steward, Radwan, Kata, Woodward, Hassell-Collins, Pollard, Van Poortvliet; Smith, Montoya, Hayes, Henderson, Chessum, Liebenberg, Reffell, Cracknell. Replacements:Clare, Cronin, Cole, Rogerson, Ilione, Youngs, Volavola, Perese. Sale:Carpenter, Roebuck, Robert du Preez, Ma'asi-White, Reed, Ford, Quirke; Rodd, Cowan-Dickie, Opoku-Fordjour, Van Rhyn, Hill, Tom Curry, Ben Curry, Jean-Luc du Preez. Replacements:McElroy, McIntyre, John, Bamber, Dan du Preez, Warr, James, O'Flaherty.
Youngs on Tigers' bench as Sale recall England duo for semi-final
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Ben Youngs and Dan Cole on Bench as Leicester Tigers Face Sale in Premiership Semi-Final"
Bbc News
8.0
TruthLens AI Summary
Ben Youngs and Dan Cole, two prominent figures in English rugby, will begin their final match for Leicester Tigers from the bench as they prepare for the Premiership play-off semi-final against Sale Sharks. Both players, who have each earned over 100 international caps, are set to retire at the end of the season, with Youngs aiming to secure a sixth Premiership title for the Tigers. Head coach Michael Cheika has made several changes to the team that recently triumphed over Newcastle Falcons, with Youngs and Cole replaced in the starting lineup by Jack van Poortvliet and Joe Heyes, respectively. Additionally, Adam Radwan will take the wing position previously held by Josh Bassett. This match not only serves as a crucial semi-final but also marks a significant moment in the careers of these veteran players, as they look to leave a lasting legacy with their club.
On the other side, Sale Sharks welcome back key players Tom Roebuck and Tom Curry after injuries sidelined them during the regular season's final match. Director of rugby Alex Sanderson has made minimal changes to the squad, hoping to lead Sale to their second Premiership final in three years. Roebuck returns to the right wing, while Curry resumes his role as blind-side flanker. The Sharks' lineup features an all-England front row and a strong back line, including player-of-the-year nominee George Ford and scrum-half Raffi Quirke. The match will also see Leicester's captain Julian Montoya leading the team for the last time at their home ground before transferring to Pau in the summer. The anticipation surrounding this semi-final is heightened not only by the stakes of the game but also by the potential farewells of several seasoned players, making it a poignant occasion for both teams involved.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article focuses on the upcoming Premiership play-off semi-final between Leicester Tigers and Sale Sharks, highlighting significant player changes for both teams. It particularly emphasizes the roles of seasoned players Ben Youngs and Dan Cole, who are approaching retirement from their professional careers. This context provides a backdrop for the competitive nature of the match and the emotional stakes involved for the players.
Player Dynamics and Team Changes
The article notes that Youngs and Cole, despite their impressive careers and numerous international caps, will be on the bench for this crucial match. Their replacement by younger players signifies a shift in the team's strategy, possibly indicating a focus on future development while still aiming for immediate success. The mention of their potential last match adds a poignant narrative, appealing to fans' emotional investment in the players' legacies.
Sale's Strong Lineup
Sale Sharks’ ability to recall key players like Tom Roebuck and Tom Curry following injuries suggests a strategic advantage as they prepare for the semi-final. The article outlines how these changes could enhance Sale's performance, indicating a competitive edge that might influence the match's outcome. This focus on player fitness and readiness underscores the physical demands and strategic planning in professional rugby.
Public Sentiment and Fan Engagement
The emphasis on the farewell of Youngs and Cole can resonate deeply with fans, creating a narrative that may galvanize support for Leicester. The article may aim to elicit a sense of nostalgia and loyalty, encouraging fans to rally behind their team in what could be a historic match.
Potential Implications
The match's outcome could have implications beyond just the sport, potentially influencing local economies tied to the clubs and their fan bases. Success in the semi-finals could lead to increased ticket sales and merchandise for Leicester Tigers, while a victory for Sale could bolster their standing in the league and attract sponsorship opportunities.
Analysis of Trustworthiness
The article appears to be grounded in factual reporting regarding player changes and match details. However, the emotional framing around Youngs and Cole might suggest an intent to sway public sentiment in favor of Leicester, potentially introducing a layer of manipulation through emotional appeal. Overall, the article is reliable in terms of factual content, but the narrative technique employed may influence reader perception.