NIALL MALONE has won the battle for the outhalf place in Leicester's side for the Pilkington Cup final against Bath at Twickenham on Saturday. Irish international Malone was given the vote ahead of Jez Harris because of his ability to spread the ball and keep it tight.
"The team virtually picked itself apart from the discussion over who should play at outhalf," said Leicester coach Paul Dodge. "We finally went for Niall because at the moment we feel he offers us that little bit more and gives us the chance to play more of an expansive game if we decide to ago that way.
"We certainly want to use wingers Steve Hackney and Rory Underwood as much as possible. (We want to see them in the game, not just standing out there on the wings."
Dodge, the former England centre, said that Leicester are now ready to bounce back from the disappointment of losing their English League title to Bath last weekend.
The only doubt for Leicester was flanker John Wells, who injured his back and ribs in the defeat by Harleguins last weekend. He is continuing to have treatment, but is expected to be fit.
