BUCK SHELFORD is keeping his starting line-up under wraps as he prepares his side for the short trip to Franklin's Gardens to face Leicester Tigers in the Zurich Wildcard Final on Saturday (May 31), kick-off 12.30pm.

The head coach has the luxury of being able to pick from a fully fit squad with only Cardiff-bound Tom Shanklin unavailable due to his international commitments with Wales.

"We won't be looking to change the side that much," said the head coach, who appears to have ditched his rotational policy. "In the end it's going to be up to those 15 guys out on the pitch to front up one last time and earn us the chance to play in Europe next season."

"The guys have had a good rest over the last few weeks and although they are all feeling the strain of a very long and hard season the guys are really up for it and some of them are jumping out of their skin to play."

One of those is former Abdel Benazzi who looks to have won his race to be fit for his farewell appearance after a fortnight of intense treatment. The former French captain looks set to partner Craig Yandell in the second row, while Shelford ponders whether to pitch highly-rated Ben Skirving in at number eight or opt instead for the experience of Kris Chesney, Richard Hill and Tony Roque in the back-row.

Elsewhere, hookers Robbie Russell and Matt Cairns are both battling it out to join the impressive pairing of David Flatman and Christian Califano in the front row.

In the backs, Thomas Castaignde thrust himself back into the frame after capping an eye-catching performance for the Barbarians with a try against England at Twickenham on Sunday. However, Shelford looks set to keep faith with the players who ran riot in the recent home wins over Sale and Leeds, forcing Castaignde, who has been plagued by an Achilles complaint in recent weeks, to be content with a place on the bench.

May 30, 2003 12:00