It’s hard to cheer about getting hammered at home
AS predicted, Leicester Tigers came away from the home game against Exeter with nothing besides things to work on.
Certainly there were positives, although attempting to feel good about losing 13–35, including a second half 28-0 slaughter, even to a very fine side like Exeter, is very hard to take for all but fans of the most recent vintage, who are more emotionally realistic about how far the Tigers have fallen.
In all honesty, Exeter did what Exeter do. They are a force of nature, they cherish the ball and they keep on coming until the opposition wilts. Leicester lasted possibly longer than their other opponents to date, and they did score the first try that Exeter have conceded this season.
There was no shortage of effort or fitness and the form of Dan Cole in defence was remarkable for a prop of any age, let alone one who is nominally advancing in years. However, regardless of the quality of the defence in the absence of an ability to attack and reverse some of the pressure on to the opposition, the effort was likely to be ultimately fruitless, hence the second half scoreline.
It would be easy to criticise the number of penalties given away by Leicester, and they were very lucky not to concede at least one yellow card on a cumulative basis (rather than the trip by Reffell which did earn the sin bin) but most were forced by the pressure they were placed under.
That second half also yielded another set of dreadful mistakes as the odd break was butchered or tries were presented to Exeter, but that was really only a matter of detail as Exeter’s superiority won the game easily.
For all the positives, we should bear in mind that Leicester did better in the equivalent fixture last season (albeit in a very similar fashion, losing the second half to nil). Then, they scored three tries, which was a considerably better return than this time.
Meanwhile off the pitch, there are credible reports that Richard Wilks, Steve Borthwick’s agent and brother of academy manager Dave, will be given a role in the recruitment process. Clearly, the powers that be at Welford Road have bought completely into Steve Borthwick’s vision and his influence over the playing side is heading towards absolute. Hopefully, they’ve got it right.