Billy Balboa - Saracens (H) Review, Bayonne (H) Preview

Mike and Elliott look recover from the Christmas overindulgence with a look back at a statement win over Sarries, led by the bashed-up rustler, Billy Searle. We look at a surprise success in the centre partnership, sexy attacking play, the departure of a club legend, some news and rumours and, of course, look forward to the visit of Bayonne at the weekend.

Mike and Elliott are in a festive mood as they relive a convincing thumping of the Cherry and Whites, revelling in a scrooge-like defence, a joyous attack and some Kata-led brilliance in the process. We also look ahead to the dreaded pre-New Year fixture which sees the boys face a daunting task against a revitalised Exeter down at Sandy Park...

Elliott flies solo as he is joined by the current owner of the Tigers 10 shirt, Billy Searle. They chat about recovery after the war against Leinster, what needs to be put right ahead of Gloucester, his move to Leicester and, of course, curries.

Mike and Elliott reminisce over the traditional loss to Leinster, but ponder if this particular one has far more to it than perhaps other efforts, focusing on a heroic effort from a young side missing so many stars. Plus, we wonder what is going on with the latest big departure, and look ahead to the return of Prem Rugby as Gloucester come to town.

Mike is joined by David Cowe to discuss the experience of a matchday in La Rochelle, the logic of sending a young side to the mammoth men of the French giants plus we discuss the departure of Gorgeous George. We also look ahead to the annual defeat against Leinster but ask...could this be the year we finally turn them over?

With Mike unavailable, Iain Morton comes off the bench this week to discuss the latest twists and turns in the George Martin saga, look over a well-fought win over Newcastle and preview a tough voyage to La Rochelle. In amongst this, we ponder if a real life tiger did meet Martin Johnson in the 90's!

Mike and Elliott are back in your ears to talk George Martin rumours, spiders, punch ups, derby wins, Red Bulls and frozen unmentionables.  It's all highbrow stuff as always!

Mike and Elliott are joined by Tigers stalwart and chief maul destroyer Harry Wells to celebrate his testimonial season and look ahead to some of the exciting events planned, raising money for some amazing causes in the process. Plus, the usual sprinkling of international reviews and rumour analysis to top things off.

After an unexpected week-long break, Mike and Elliott return to catch up on accounts, transfer rumours, international call ups, wins over Sale and Newcastle and Emeka Illione's mental carrying mentality. We also look over the first eight games of Geoff's reign and find plenty to be positive about.

Mike is joined by good friend of the pod, Iain Morton, who steps in for Elliott as he's away on his jollies, as they marvel at a gutsy, last minute win over the champions, Bath, thanks to a dominant scrum and some serious plums from Billy Searle. Plus, we look ahead to the always-brutal fixture against Sale, and ask if this is actually a pretty good time to play them...