EDF Energy Cup - : Tigers eager to keep their paws on EDF Energy Cup

Leicester's Dan Hipkiss books the Tigers' place at Twickenham

Tigers eager to keep their paws on EDF Energy Cup

11 April 2008, 11:32 am

By Chris Heasman

Out of the Heineken Cup and eager for silverware, Leicester Tigers' captain Martin Corry knows just what a challenge the Midlands' side face in the EDF Energy Cup final at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday April 12.

Leicester Tigers are effectively taking on the might of Wales when they play Ospreys in the game, which is live on BBC1 and kicks off at 2.30pm. The match is a repeat of last year’s final, which saw Tigers survive a second-half Welsh comeback to beat Ospreys 41-35.

Tigers’ captain Martin Corry knows that Ospreys, who conceded just 3 points against Saracens at the semi-final stage, will be a tough team to break down.

“They’ve certainly improved leaps and bounds from last season,” said Corry. “They’ve developed a real strength and resilience in their forward pack. They’ve got a very good side. Everyone talks about their attacking flair but to hold a side like Saracens to just three points in the semi-final of this competition shows how hard they are to break down.

”They’ve got an excellent lineout, which Alun Wyn Jones runs very well. I’m a massive fan of Marty Holah and Ryan Jones is going from strength to strength this season. They’ve got plenty of explosive power on the bench as well and it’s going to be a real test, not just of our team, but of our whole squad.”

Tigers’ head coach Marcelo Loffreda, knows exactly what to expect.

“Ospreys are an excellent team. Playing this game is like playing against Wales and we know how well they did in the Six Nations.

“Ospreys have had good momentum and will be trying to keep it going. They lost last week in the Heineken Cup but we know their players are going to be very focused and hoping to bounce back.

“They will forget they are tired and have been in a long season. Our players are refreshed after a couple of days off and they are looking forward to this challenge.

“In a game like this, having a good game-plan is not going to be enough, but spirit and character will be very important.

“I know when I first talked about coming to Leicester Tigers that this club expects to win big games and trophies. These are the things that make life different and exciting.”