In a high-stakes Gallagher Premiership play-off semi-final, Leicester Tigers emerged victorious with a 21-16 win over Sale Sharks at Mattioli Woods Welford Road. The match was a showcase of intense physicality and strategic prowess, with both teams battling fiercely for a spot in the final.

First Half Dominance

Leicester started strong, with Handre Pollard converting a penalty early in the game. Sale's George Ford responded with a penalty of his own, but Leicester's Adam Radwan stole the show with two spectacular tries. The first came from a swift switch of play, allowing Radwan to exploit space on the right flank. His second try was a breathtaking diving finish, gathering an overhit crossfield kick from Pollard mid-air to score.

Second Half Tensions

Sale came out with renewed vigor in the second half. Ford added another penalty, and Rob du Preez scored a crucial try after a slick move, bringing the Sharks level. However, Leicester's Izaia Perese, coming off the bench, made an immediate impact with a scorching run to the line, restoring Leicester's lead.

Defensive Mastery

In the final minutes, Sale mounted a relentless assault on Leicester's defense. The Tigers, however, stood firm, with key tackles and turnovers, including a crucial intervention by Emeka Ilione. The match culminated in a frantic defensive stand by Leicester, ensuring their place in the final.

Post-Match Reflections

Leicester's head coach, Michael Cheika, praised his team's resilience, acknowledging the challenge posed by Sale. "It was tough. First half I thought we were excellent, and second half I thought Sale upped their game," Cheika remarked. Sale's director of rugby, Alex Sanderson, conceded that Leicester's execution was superior, particularly in aerial contests and scrums.

Looking Ahead

Leicester Tigers now set their sights on the Premiership final at Twickenham, where they will face Bath. The team aims to extend their record with a 12th league title, providing a fitting farewell for departing legends like Dan Cole, Ben Youngs, and Mike Brown.

Teams

Leicester Tigers: Steward, Radwan, Kata, Woodward, Hassell-Collins, Pollard, Van Poortvliet; Smith, Montoya, Hayes, Henderson, Chessum, Liebenberg, Reffell, Cracknell. Replacements: Clare, Cronin, Cole, Rogerson, Ilione, Youngs, Volavola, Perese.

Sale Sharks: Carpenter, Roebuck, Robert du Preez, Ma'asi-White, Reed, Ford, Quirke; Rodd, Cowan-Dickie, Opoku-Fordjour, Van Rhyn, Hill, Tom Curry, Ben Curry, Jean-Luc du Preez. Replacements: McElroy, McIntyre, John, Bamber, Dan du Preez, Warr, James, O'Flaherty.