A defensive masterclass that no one saw coming!
THAT was a very good start for the Tigers and their fans. As the lady sitting next to me in the stand said: “It feels almost like we’ve got our Tigers back!”
Now, that might be a bit premature, given that Exeter were significantly weakened by international absentees and injury, but Leicester’s win was comprehensive and could have been even more so.
First of all, praise has to go to the whole team. After what should be accepted as a dodgy start to pre-season, particularly defensively, the game was primarily won by that self same defence.
Whether the knowledge that all preseason matches were streamed and therefore available to the opposition made the team reluctant to show its hand, or whether the systems set up by new defence coach and rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield have suddenly clicked, the Tigers’ ability to keep out the opposition was quantum levels beyond previous seasons.
It’s difficult to single out anyone for praise in an excellent team effort, but here goes!
Ellis Genge, in his first Premiership game as permanent captain, managed the referee brilliantly (no easy task, given that Ian Tempest had handled last season’s debacle against Bristol that led to Tom Youngs’ disciplinary hearing) as well as providing his usual barnstorming playing performance.
Official man of the match George Martin (who I think we can now say is going to be genuinely world class in fairly short order) had statistics to die for.
However, the most eye-catching display again came from Freddie Steward, who set the tone from the off, winning a penalty when tackled in the air, and was absolutely rock solid in defence. In addition, he continues to add the attacking edge that a top-class fullback needs.
Nemani Nadolo, putting in 80 minutes (demonstrating the big man’s improved fitness) deserves a mention for his all-round play in what was his best display for the Tigers.
Meanwhile, Nic Dolly at hooker scored two tries and played for a remarkable 74 minutes. Not bad for someone who would have been, on paper, fourth choice as preparation for the season began.
It is important not to get carried away. Exeter were weakened and probably undercooked with only one preseason game. But in recent years their belief and self confidence would still have been too much for Leicester (and that may explain the way they prepared). It was a delight to watch that belief draining away in the face of the withering Tigers defence.