Latest
Overview
Season so far
Tournament record
Leicester Tigers wing Jonah Holmes scoring another try in the Challenge Cup
Leicester Tigers, who have won both their matches so far in their debut campaign in the European Rugby Challenge Cup to top Pool 5, have high hopes of completing a hat-trick at home to Rugby Calvisano on Saturday.
The Tigers have won all six of their previous European clashes against the Italian club, who are pointless at the bottom of the pool.
Key facts
- Leicester have a 100 per cent record against Italian opposition in Europe, winning all 22 such games.
- Calvisano are seeking a first Challenge Cup win since January 2013.
- Calvisano have just one victory from 26 European matches against English opponents in their history.
Preparations for Saturday’s return to Welford Road in full swing at Oval Park. 💪 pic.twitter.com/AjuYFVe0Wm
— Leicester Tigers (@LeicesterTigers) December 4, 2019
It was a relentless performance from Leicester Tigers, who ran in nine tries as they beat Rugby Calvisano 59-7 to stay top of Pool 5 in the European Rugby Challenge Cup.
That makes it three wins in a row for Tigers in their debut campaign in the competition – and seven in a row against their Italian opponents, who stay bottom of the pool.
Leicester were sparkling from the off, with Manu Tuilagi getting the first try thanks to his power and determination. Jonny May scored a brace, and youngster Sam Lewis got the fourth – all within the first 16 minutes.
📸 @ManuTuilagi crosses for today's opener at Welford Road!#COYT 🐯 #LEIvCAL 🏆 pic.twitter.com/ncYO5Ba36C
— Leicester Tigers (@LeicesterTigers) December 7, 2019
The second half was more of the same. Tommy Reffell picked up a great George Ford pass to cross the line after 45 minutes, and nine minutes later Adam Thompstone leapt on an errant Calvisano pass near the halfway line to run the ball over.
Jake Kerr got the seventh try after a well-organised driving maul, and Noel Reid and Telusa Veainu both grabbed tries in the last seven minutes of the match.
Ford’s boot was invaluable all afternoon, converting four of the first five tries, and Tom Hardwick converted the final three tries of the afternoon.
Current mood. 👍 pic.twitter.com/vw4sskIJf1
— Leicester Tigers (@LeicesterTigers) December 7, 2019
Calvisano did get a try of their own in the dying seconds of the first half courtesy of Lorenzo Cittadini, which was converted by Paolo Pescetto, but the Italians must continue on their quest for a first Challenge Cup win since January 2013.
LIVE - TEST - Commentary