Crunch day for in-form Irish

A classic contest of contrasting styles, the obvious attraction of a clash between the leaders and the third-placed team in the English Premier Division, and the presence of the Sky television cameras should guarantee a wonderful occasion at Welford Road.

London Irish travel to Leicester intent on arresting the seemingly relentless progress of their hosts towards league success and doing so in front of a 17,000 crowd: the interest generated, especially among Leicester's fervent and vocal support, has guaranteed a sell-out.

Leicester provided additional seating to increase the capacity of this superb arena for a match that has supporters and media alike salivating at its potential to deliver THE club match of the season in England.

Ireland full back and London Irish captain Conor O'Shea admits that the flurry of publicity surrounding this match has whetted the appetite of the combatants.

"If you can't get up for a game such as this then you have no business playing. It is the biggest test of how far we have come as a team. The potential is there for a great game and obviously we are looking forward to the match. They are formidable opposition as their record of only three defeats this season illustrates."

Interestingly, Leicester suffered one of those defeats against today's opposition - they were beaten 24-23 at Sunbury earlier this season, victims of a late drop goal. Four points clear of Northampton, six ahead of today's opposition, Leicester are aware that a victory today would represent a huge fillip to their title quest, both psychologically and tangibly.

Their success may be largely attributable to smothering defence. Irish, in contrast, are the league's free spirits, risk takers whose spontaneity and determination to keep the ball in hand has conjured unprecedented success.

O'Shea accepts the plaudits: "I think its fair to say that we are an entertaining side, but our willingness to adopt what might be considered high-risk rugby should not detract from the immense work-rate of the side. We pride ourselves on our defence, and our ability to create opportunities is achieved by dint of hard work and selfless running.

"There will be a contrast against Leicester: we will look to loosen up the game, while they will attempt to squeeze the life out of us up front. We respect their excellent defensive record, but it certainly won't intimidate us. They will expect us to throw the ball around but we might have one or two surprises."

The veiled reference is to their underestimated pack, often overlooked as Stephen Bachop, Brendan Venter, Niall Woods and O'Shea dazzle through sleight of hand and foot. Two Irish forwards, Malcolm O'Kelly and Kieron Dawson, were enjoying outstanding seasons until injury intervened. Their absence has allowed others to shine, most noticeably South African flanker Jake Boer and Samoan number eight Isaac Feaunati.

In Kevin Putt and Bachop the Exiles have the best half-backs in the league, and with Venter they possess the intelligence and ability to rip open the meanest of defences.

Woods and O'Shea have been outstanding, and it is a measure of the depth of talent in the panel that even when injury strikes, a player of the calibre of Samoan Robert Todd, who played for the ACT Brumbies in the Super 12, can be drafted in to replace Nick Burrows.

The quality in the Leicester squad is obvious. They possess excellence in key areas from Australian Pat Howard in the centre to Joel Stransky at out-half to Martin Johnson, Neil Back and Martin Corry up front. Irish under-21 full back Geordan Murphy must be content with a place on the bench. O'Shea outlines the task facing London Irish: "The responsibility is on all 15 players. To impose ourselves on this match will require a monumental effort but of that we are capable.

"Our coach Dick Best has spoken about the bubble getting bigger and the pin smaller with regard to our recent run. We are aware that we will lose some time, we just hope that it won't be today."

If fortune truly favours the brave then the London Irish odyssey is far from finished.

Match Facts

This season's result: London Irish 24, Leicester 23.

Last season's result: Leicester 34, London Irish 19; London Irish 16, Leicester 55.

League head-to-head: Leicester 7 London Irish 2.

Last six league results: Leicester WWWWWW. London Irish WWWWWW.

LEICESTER: T Stimpson; L Lloyd, C Joiner, P Howard, D Lougheed; J Stransky, A Healy; G Rowntree, R Cockerill, D Garforth, M Johnson (capt), F Van Heerden, L Moody, M Corry, N Back.

LONDON IRISH: C O'Shea (capt); J Bishop, R Todd, B Venter, N Woods; S Bachop, K Putt; N Hatley, R Kirk, R Hardwick, R Strudwick, N Harvey, J Boer, I Feaunati, R Gallagher.