Borthwick’s assistants were ‘trusted’ to make the right calls

LEICESTER Tigers head coach Steve Borthwick “trusted” his coaches present at the Mattioli Woods Welford Road to make the big calls in the 36-31 victory over Bath, writes Bobby Bridge.

The Covid-19 outbreak within the camp following the European Challenge Cup victory in Bayonne forced the cancellation of the Gallagher Premiership Boxing Day clash with Newcastle Falcons, and limited Tigers to just two days of preparation heading into Sunday’s clash with their old rivals from Somerset.

Borthwick was one of a number of staff and players who were forced to self-isolate at home, preventing him from attending training at Oval Park in the build-up to the Bath clash – and the match itself.

Brett Deacon, pictured, and Mike Ford were trusted with running the show in person, with the latter making the big substitution decisions. Chief among them was replacing 104-times capped England scrum-half Ben Youngs on the hour mark when Tigers’ lead was just three points.

On in his place came 19-year-old Jack van Poortvliet, who impressed on only his fifth Premiership appearance to seal the win.

“Mike led on all the tactical changes,” said assistant coach Deacon.

“But obviously we had good discussions in the box when they were needed and when they took place.”

Otherwise it appeared to be business as usual for the coaching team, which, Covid-19 screening test results permitting, should return to its normal make-up from today when the squad reconvenes in preparation for the trip to Northampton Saints on Saturday.

“Steve’s led us as he normally would,” added Deacon. “But we’ve got some experience in this coaching team as well.

“So with Mike and myself we know what we’re doing, our schedules are in place.

“He’s been there remotely, all coach’s meetings through Zoom, but then he’s trusted us guys when we’ve delivered to the players in training and sessions.”

Deacon also revealed that Borthwick messaged his coaches present at the match saying “well done, great game and a great performance”.