Superb Tigers ride out spirited fightback to set up final reckoning for coach Cheika

THE OLD GROUND WAS ROCKING AS BRILLIANT FIRST-HALF SHOW SETS UP BOSS' SWANSONG

- By JOHN WIFFEN

LEICESTER Tigers secured their place in the Premiership final with a pulsating 21-16 win over a dogged Sale Sharks side at an electric Welford Road.

A brilliant first half performance from the home side, including a special brace from Adam Radwan, saw them go into the break with a 13-3 lead that, perhaps, should have been greater.

The away side finally arrived with the Manchester-like rain straight after the break though, and the boot of George Ford and a try from Rob du Preez made a party-like home atmosphere turn sober rather quickly.

It was then perhaps the forgotten man of Leicester, Izaia Parese, who delivered what turned out to be the killer blow.

The Australian was the star signing before this season but has flattered to deceive and has been injured for the past three months.

Was it a risk to drop him in for such a huge clash? Well, yes, it was, but it paid off in spades.