- Tigers to win (5/4, Betfair)
It is too simplistic, and untrue, to say if Jasper Wiese plays, Leicester win. But there is no doubting the impact the No.8 has had at the Tigers since his arrival from South Africa. His absence against Quins last time out was keenly felt.
The 25-year-old is a formidable force as a ball carrier and has made 401 metres from six league appearances – half of which have been wins – with the ball in hand.
Factor in 25 defenders beaten and you can see why Leicester are a much better attacking outfit when he is packing down at the back of what will be an all-South Africa back row this Saturday. Wiese’s head-to-head with Tom Willis will be a fascinating sub-plot.
Hanro Liebenberg is no less influential than Wiese, especially at lineout time, and if the Tigers can get their mauling game going, they should be too strong for an indifferent Wasps side.
The only worry for Tigers right now is the ability of Zack Henry to control at game at 10 but with Richard Wigglesworth playing inside him, and rising star Jack Van Poortvliet waiting in reserve, that should help deliver a victory for Old King Dan Cole, on the occaison of his 250th club appearance.
