Investec Champions Cup: Bordeaux Begles v Leicester Tigers
Venue: Stade Chaban-Delmas, Bordeaux Date: Sunday, 8 December Kick-off: 13:00 GMT
Coverage: Listen to live commentary on BBC Radio Leicester and BBC Sounds, follow live text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app.
Leicester Tigers have handed lock Come Joussain a first start in their Champions Cup opener with Bordeaux Begles at Stade Chaban-Delmas.
The 23-year-old Frenchman, who joined the club in the summer, will partner Harry Wells in the second row.
England lock George Martin, Wales back row Tommy Reffell and South Africa fly-half Handre Pollard continue to be rested following the autumn internationals.
However, England scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet and full-back Freddie Steward are both included in the starting XV.
Tigers head coach Michael Cheika has also handed centre Izaia Perese his first European appearance for the club, while Jed Holloway and Joseph Woodward could also make their Champions Cup debuts from the bench.
Hosts Bordeaux name a strong side, which includes France backs Damian Penaud and Louis Bielle-Biarrey and Scotland lock Jonny Gray.
The 30-year-old Scot has impressed for the Top 14 side since returning to play in September after recovering from a serious knee injury.
Bordeaux have won their past two matches and will face Tigers for only the second time in their history.
Leicester lost their previous game against Sale in the Premiership but are flying high in third place after a promising start to the campaign.
Chieka, who coached Leinster to a Champions Cup final victory over Tigers in 2009, said: “This competition brings great occasions, great days and we’re excited to take the challenge on this week.”
Line-ups
Bordeaux Begles: Bielle-Biarrey; Penaud, Depoortere, Moefana, Retiere; Jalibert, Lucu (capt); Poirot, Lamothe, Tameifuna, Petti, Gray, Diaby, Vergnes-Taillefer, Samu.
Replacements: Sa, Boniface, Sadie, Coleman, Swinton, Tatafu, Tapuai, Carbery.
Leicester Tigers: Steward; Bassett, Perese, Kata, Hassell-Collins; Shillcock, Van Poortvliet (capt); Cronin, Clare, Heyes, Wells, Joussain, Liebenberg, Ilione, Cracknell.
Replacements: Theobald-Thomas, Whitcombe, Hurd, Holloway, Hatherell, Whiteley, Woodward, Brown.