CRY OF THE TIGERS
Saints to face backlash from Leicester stars angry about Mauger sacking
TOM YOUNGS has warned Northampton of a Leicester backlash when Tigers say goodbye to sacked coach Aaron Mauger today.
Stars of England’s biggest club are far from happy at the way Mauger was removed from office on Monday, the day after Leicester won their first trophy for four years.
The “devastated’’ former All Black, who is being replaced by the returning Matt O’Connor (right), was told he could go immediately or after today’s East Midlands derby.
He opted to see the week out and Leicester captain Youngs says the dressing room are fully committed to giving him a send-off to remember.
“It’s a challenge and when challenges are laid down you have to answer them,” said the hooker, who goes headto-head with England skipper Dylan Hartley, making a rare appearance for Saints.
“We can make an excuse about it, ‘Ah well it’s happened, let’s let it be’, or we can knuckle down, be strong together and send Aaron on his way on a good note. The latter is the vibe I get from the boys.”
Leicester’s players have become crisis-weary this term; embarrassed in the European Cup, cursed by injury and asked to absorb first the axing of long-term boss Richard Cockerill, now Mauger.
Last week’s Anglo-Welsh Cup triumph appeared to validate the work done by Mauger since taking the helm from Cockerill. The blazers thought differently.
Youngs says his players are “obviously sad”. Make that fired-up. Brother Ben and Dan Cole are back from England and straight into the starting line-up. “It’s been a challenging year but I don’t want to use that as an excuse,” added Youngs. “I want to use it as motivation.”
There is fear as well as annoyance in the mix. Tigers have not failed to reach the Premiership play-offs since 2004. With five games left they lie outside the top four. “Believe me that’s always in the back of your head,” added Youngs. “None of us wants to be in the Leicester team that ends that run.”