Tigers bid to end on a high

Leicester could rescue a miserable season with victory in the Zurich Wildcard competition – and skipper Martin Johnson has demanded his side do just that.

The Tigers face Harlequins at Welford Road tonight with an appointment in the Twickenham final against either Gloucester or Sale on May 29 at stake.

Success at HQ would sweep the winner into next season’s Heineken Cup – an ambition Leicester must realise if they are to restore their reputation as one of the major players in European rugby.

“It’s that time of year when you have got to finish off the season and finish it off well,” said Johnson.

“We’ve got to try and qualify for Europe so we’ll hopefully go out and win tonight and go on from there.”

Leicester – who completed a league double over Quins in March – made a dreadful start to the season but finished their Premiership campaign on a high with a stunning 48-17 victory over Wasps.

Daryl Gibson is the only change to the side which dismantled the English champions – the former All Black returns at inside centre with Ollie Smith dropping to the bench.

England World Cup pair Will Greenwood and Jason Leonard both return to the Quins team – Greenwood is back after overcoming a shoulder injury while veteran prop Leonard has recovered from a foot problem.

Gloucester will have the full support of their England prop Phil Vickery at Kingsholm tomorrow, with the former club skipper watching from the comfort of his home after recovering from a back operation.

“I’ll be there in spirit tomorrow against Sale and will be watching the match on the television. I’ve spoken to the lads and we know what we’ve got to do,” said the 28-year-old.

Vickery underwent surgery for a bulging disk last Friday but has made a promising recovery. He now faces a lengthy spell of rehabilitation.

“Everything has gone well. I’ve got to rest at home for the moment but there is a lot of hard work ahead. I’m now keen to get into the rehab process,” he said.

Gloucester have made three changes up front following last Saturday’s 41-7 thrashing by west country rivals Bath at the Recreation Ground.

Number eight Peter Buxton replaces Junior Paramore, who is nursing a damaged nose, while Andy Hazell is handed the number seven shirt following his recent stint on the bench.

Adam Eustace partners Alex Brown in the second row – Mark Cornwell moves to the bench – while full-back Riaan van der Bergh features among the substitutes after missing out against Bath with flu.

England prop Trevor Woodman is named in Gloucester’s front row even though he has agreed to join the Sharks next season.

Sale make just one alteration to the side which overcame Leeds 31-20 last weekend, replacing injured club skipper Pete Anglesea with Phil Davies in the back row.