Borthwick shuffles pack and comes up trumps again
WHILE, by common consent, Connacht are the last ranked of the four Irish regions, no one believes they are anything but a very fine side, particularly in Europe given the way the IRFU target this competition.
As one would expect, they selected their first choice available side for the Matioli Woods Welford Road clash with Leicester.
Meanwhile, Steve Borthwick once again shuffled his pack and provided experience for his players while gambling that his approach of seamless transition between his players would once again pay dividends after the remarkable performance last week against Bordeaux-Begles.
Given the strength of the Irish, that had to be a seen as a gamble, albeit a calculated one with arguably bigger (and possibly more achievable) things to come in the domestic Premiership.
Once again, at a cold and foggy ground, that gamble paid off.
The first half was a nervy affair for Tigers fans, and there is still improvement to come as the team failed to think clearly under pressure when an attacking position first dissolved and then collapsed into a score for the visitors.
It’s rare that Leicester, perhaps unfairly, are accused of trying to play too much rugby, but that was a moment when they did.
As we have seen before, the half time period brought out the best in Leicester as the front row was changed and the game with it.
Scrum dominance established and the scores soon followed. There will be some annoyance that Connacht sneaked a losing bonus point at the end, but the structure of the competition is such that it shouldn’t affect the Tigers too much.
Leicester’s team was filled with man-of-the-match contenders, particularly in the second half.
Tommy Reffell gave a masterclass in open side flanker play and his turnovers were instrumental in stopping Connacht momentum.
Ben Youngs, official star man, prodded and prompted his team and captained well in another stand-out performance. Dan Cole’s play in both the loose and the tight after his introduction was another massive contender.
Bryce Hegarty, at full back and fly-half, provided solidity and safety as required.
Another win, without playing particularly well (and without leavers Ford and Genge) really does say that these Tigers are the real deal – 13 wins on the bounce at the start of the season and there is a feeling the squad has forgotten how to lose.
A happy festive season for Leicester fans everywhere.