Kitchener set for Leicester start

Published: Friday, 23. September, 2011 in category Leicester
Tait: Set to make his first apearance for Leicester

England Saxons lock Kitchener, a summer arrival from Worcester Warriors, replaces George Skivington in the second row.

Director of rugby Richard Cockerill has made two futher changes in the forwards after the Tigers' narrow victory over Newcastle Falcons last weekend.

With Thomas Waldrom in New Zealand as precautionary cover for England's World Cup squad, Ben Woods has been recalled at openside, and on-loan prop Michael Holford starts in the front row.

Matt Smith returns on the wing in the only change to the backline, while Mathew Tait is in line for his first appearance for the club from the replacements' bench after his recovery from injury.

Skivington, Julian White and Kieran Brookes were all injured in the 27-26 win at Newcastle last Saturday and join Craig Newby, Jordan Crane and Geoff Parling on the sidelines.

Meanwhile, Saracens hooker Schalk Brits misses the game after taking a heavy knock last weekend. Jamie George comes in to start with Harry Allen on the bench.

Will Fraser and Jackson Wray both start in the back row with Justin Melck ruled out with a calf injury while Andy Saull is named on the bench.

The only other change to the starting XV sees Owen Farrell start at centre alongside Brad Barritt with Adam Powell among the replacements. George Kruis also returns to the bench in place of Hugh Vyvyan.