Bath Rugby and Leicester Tigers, two titans of English rugby, face off at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on Saturday in the 2024/25 Gallagher Premiership final. After intense semi-final victories, both teams have little room for change but critical decisions lie ahead for coaches Johann van Graan and Michael Cheika.
Bath Rugby topped the table and secured their final spot with a commanding second-half performance, defeating Bristol Bears 34-20 at the Recreation Ground. Leicester Tigers followed with a narrow 21-16 victory over Sale Sharks in their home semi-final.
Bath’s forward pack is expected to remain largely unchanged despite the physical toll of the semi-final. Hooker Tom Dunn, who sustained only minor bruises, is set to start. The only anticipated alteration in the pack is Miles Reid coming in at number eight, replacing Alfie Barbeary after Reid’s impressive impact off the bench. Barbeary’s versatility could still provide vital support during the match’s final stages.
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Bath’s predicted forwards: Beno Obano, Tom Dunn, Will Stuart, Quinn Roux, Charlie Ewels, Ted Hill, Guy Pepper, Miles Reid.
The backline sees no forecasted changes either. Fly-half Finn Russell reported only cramp after a late-game scare against Bristol and is expected to play. If unavailable, Ciaran Donoghue appears to have moved ahead of Orlando Bailey for the backup fly-half role. On the wings, Joe Cokanasiga benefits from his attacking prowess despite concerns about defensive speed against Leicester’s Ollie Hassell-Collins and Adam Radwan. The centre pairing of Cameron Redpath and Max Ojomoh will likely continue, replacing Ollie Lawrence who remains sidelined.
Bath’s projected backs: Tom de Glanville, Joe Cokanasiga, Max Ojomoh, Cameron Redpath, Will Muir, Finn Russell, Ben Spencer.
Leicester Tigers’ front row is anchored by Nicky Smith at loosehead, known for his strong performance against Sale’s Asher Opoku-Fordjour in the semi-final. Tighthead responsibilities may see Dan Cole introduced off the bench, along with flanker Emeka Ilione to combat Bath’s second-half momentum. The Tigers will feel the absence of long-term injured George Martin as they face Bath’s formidable pack.
Leicester’s expected forwards: Nicky Smith, Julián Montoya (captain), Joe Heyes, Cameron Henderson, Ollie Chessum, Hanro Liebenberg, Tommy Reffell, Olly Cracknell.
In the backline, scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet looks set to start over Ben Youngs, who will bring his experience off the bench in what is likely his final professional match. Centre selections offer a potential shift: Joseph Woodward, having a breakout season, and Izaia Perese, whose semi-final winning try may earn him the number 13 jersey with Solomone Kata moving to inside centre. Leicester’s bench lacks the depth of Bath’s, putting extra pressure on their starters to deliver.
Leicester’s forecasted backs: Freddie Steward, Adam Radwan, Solomone Kata, Joseph Woodward, Ollie Hassell-Collins, Handré Pollard, Jack van Poortvliet.
Both coaches face important tactical decisions, but largely they will rely on the combinations that brought them success in the semi-finals. Fans can expect a gripping contest reflective of English rugby’s rich rivalry.