Leicester Tigers’ Olly Cracknell is bolstering himself for an explosive, full-on opening “Test match” with title rivals Saracens today.

The back rower predicts it will be an ultra-physical and highly-charged occasion as Geoff Parling’s Tigers attempt to get Welford Road “rocking” and make a powerful start to the new campaign.
Cracknell, 32, is also extremely motivated to have his “best season ever” in his bid to book himself a seat on the World Cup journey to Australia this time next year.
But he faces even tougher competition to retain a regular start in the Leicester side with Wales team-...