Cheika: Home advantage is a key factor

AS the Premiership campaign approaches the home straight, Michael Cheika is looking for home advantage to take Leicester into the play-offs.

- PAUL REES

Four of the Tigers’ last six matches are at Mattioli Woods Welford Road, starting with Saracens today in a meeting of the 2022 and 2023 champions.

“I think that is huge,” said Cheika, whose side started the current round in third. “You have the people, the intensity of the support and the way the ground is set up. Some are so close to you in the standing how that I have been offered biscuits and tea.

“We have to make sure in those four matches that we get the fans into the game. The Premiership is close as a competition and there is a lot of heat from everywhere.

“You have to be on your game every time which makes it an exciting league. We cannot think any further ahead than Saracens. Look after what you can today and it will make tomorrow better.”