Hanro Liebenberg is back for the Leicester Tigers' challenge against the Harlequins. The South African talisman returns to the XV for the first time since late November, joining forces with Welshman Tommy Reffell and Emeka Ilione in an exciting, abrasive back row. Also returning from injury are Australian internationals James O'Connor and Izaia Perese, with the latter set to earn his 20-game club tie from the bench. The front five of the pack shows only one change from the last Gallagher PREM game, with Charlie Clare replacing Jamie Blamire. The backline features many of those who played in the close defeat in Cape Town against the DHL Stormers, with Jack van Poortvliet and Freddie Steward returning at scrum half and full back, respectively. Geoff Parling expressed his enthusiasm for the return of Hanro, JOC, and Izzy, highlighting their valuable experience and quality, which will be crucial against a high-performing Quins side. Parling emphasized the importance of the team finishing the block by working together and fighting for each other, embodying the spirit of pulling on the shirt. The Leicester Tigers' starting lineup includes Freddie Steward, Gabriel Hamer-Webb, Will Wand, Orlando Bailey, Ollie Hassell-Collins, Billy Searle, Jack van Poortvliet, Nicky Smith, Charlie Clare, Joe Heyes, Cameron Henderson, Ollie Chessum, Hanro Liebenberg, Tommy Reffell, and Emeka Ilione. The replacements are Jamie Blamire, Archie Van Der Flier, Will Hurd, Joaquin Moro, Olly Cracknell, and Ollie Allan, with James O'Connor and Izaia Perese ready to step in if needed. But here's where it gets controversial... Should Izaia Perese have been selected ahead of James O'Connor? And this is the part most people miss... The return of Hanro Liebenberg brings valuable experience and quality to the team, which will be crucial against a high-performing Quins side. So, what do you think? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts on this selection debate!
