MURPHY’S MEN SHOW SOME GRIT
SALVATION eluded Leicester at the futuristic La Defence Arena yesterday, but there was hope and honour in defeat, not to mention a bonus point which just about keeps their Champions Cup campaign afloat in Ulster’s Pool 4.
In the riot-ravaged capital of France, this was the day when the Tigers manned the barricades and fought heroically to revive their season and reputation. From the ruins of their wretched loss at Bristol the previous weekend, this was a step in the right direction. Not before time.
Geordan Murphy’s side went toe-to-toe with one of the preeminent forces in French and European rugby, away from home, and emerged with a four-try bonus point. Gone were the rabble who collapsed in Bristol, Racing breached the visitors’ line thanks to their formidable power and the artistry of Finn Russell at fly-half, but they were certainly not waved through, and in the closing stages the visitors evern appeared capable of a monumental upset.
Twelve minutes from time, Ellis Genge — one of two Leicester players to spend 10 minutes in the sin-bin — took a pass near halfway and somehow blasted through seven attempted tackles before he was finally brought down. Even the locals applauded in awe.
George Ford was inspired throughout and it was the England fly-half who set up a grandstand finish 10 minutes from time. He claimed a deft interception deep in his own half, stormed clear, kicked ahead and chased hard to earn an attacking lineout, before showing great awareness to take a quick throw and send Adam Thompstone darting over the line for a try.
Racing had gone into half-time with a 26-14 lead courtesy of tries by Virimi Vakatawa, Juan Imhoff and Baptiste Chouzenoux. But livewire Leicester scrum-half Ben White had set up a try for Jonah Holmes at the other end and Sione Kalamafoni leapt over a ruck to touch down from close-range.
After the break, Manu Tuilagi’s clever blindside run and strike kept the visitors in the hunt, but when Russell’s back-hand off-load put Simon Zebo through to score, the game appeared to be up.
Leicester had other ideas and to get a bonus point from Paris was a fine effort. ‘I was really proud of the boys, to be still be in it at the end. I don’t think you can question the endeavour and the passion,’ said Murphy.
Having dismissed reports of a shock Leicester bid to bring in Paul Gustard from Harlequins as a new director of rugby, Murphy admitted that he may welcome the chance to add another coach to his staff.
‘If we can bring quality people into the club, I’m all for it. Racing 92 scorers — Tries: Vakatawa, Imhoff, Zebo, Chouzenoux, Klemenczak. Cons: Russell (4). Pen: Russell. Leicester scorers — Tries: Holmes, Kalafomoni, Tuilagi, Thompstone. Cons: Ford (2), Toomua. Yellow cards: Tuilagi (7), Genge (47). Referee: N Owens (Wales).