Andy Goode comes in at fullback for Steve Booth, having been absent for the last four matches after not being registered for European competition. Springbok Jaco van der Westhuyzen remains at fly-half - after moving there in the Heineken Cup, but Goode is expected to take over the goal-kicking duties.

Fit-again Daryl Gibson returns after pulling a hamstring playing for the New Zealand Barbarians back in December, taking his place at inside centre as South African Glenn Gelderbloom drops to the bench.

England back rower Martin Corry is also back in the starting line-up after sustaining the same injury as Gibson in the same match, taking the place of Will Johnson at blindside flanker. Corry did, however, come off the bench, at times, in the Heineken Cup.

The starting XV is otherwise unchanged from the one which fell to Stade Français last Friday, although the captaincy passes to lock Martin Johnson after flank Neil Back’s promotion to assistant coach.

On the bench, Luke Myring is out with the hamstring injury, which saw him limp off from the field last time out, while Irish scrum-half Tom Tierney also comes into the match-day 22.

In a week of change at the club following the departure of Richards, coach Wells said ahead of the game: "With the exception of pride, there are no new injuries to report.

"The last few weeks have been difficult for the players and everyone at the club, but we have had to put it behind us.

"The players set high standards and everyone is 100 percent committed.

"There’s a real willingness to get the job done here without question, and the players have approached training this week in that manner.

"I’m a great believer in momentum, and the sooner we get a good win under our belts the better. This Friday against Sale gives us a good chance to try and get into the top half of the table, which is a great position from which to go forward."

Of the change in captain, Wells said: "’Johnno’ returning will allow Neil Back to concentrate on his new role, where he will be involved with certain aspects of the coaching. Martin being here during the Six Nations when Neil is away will bring some continuity, and it’s a case of making best use of the available resources."

Assistant coach Back said: "We just have to concentrate on Friday.

"We have a new management structure in place and we’ve got to work with it. I think we can do a good job.

"Despite it being a difficult week I’m excited about the challenges that lie ahead, and my mind is working over with ideas of how to improve things. There’s no ill-feeling, and we have to deal with it as best we can."

Tigers captain Johnson said: "What’s happened this week has been very upsetting for everyone concerned, but we have to get on with it and play some rugby. The best thing we can do is get a win on Friday night, and I’m sure we will."

Leicester Tigers: 15 Andy Goode, 14 Ollie Smith, 13 Leon Lloyd, 12 Daryl Gibson, 11 Freddie Tuilagi, 10 Jaco van der Westhuyzen, 9 Harry Ellis, 8 Henry Tuilagi, 7 Neil Back, 6 Martin Corry, 5 Ben Kay, 4 Martin Johnson (captain), 3 Darren Morris, 2 Dorian West, 1 Graham Rowntree.Replacements: 16 Jim Richards, 17 Ricky Nebbett, 18 Louis Deacon, 19 Will Johnson, 20 Will Skinner, 21 Tom Tierney, 22 Glenn Gelderbloom.

The following players were not considered because of various injuries: Adam Balding (stomach muscle tear), Neil Baxter (hamstring), James Buckland (broken leg), Peter Cook (back), Austin Healey (leg), John Holtby (back), Lewis Moody (foot, stress fracture), Geordan Murphy (broken leg), Sam Vesty (groin), Julian White (knee cartilage), and Luke Myring (hamstring).

Kick-off: 19.45 GMT

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