PLAYER RATINGS
Here’s how rugby writer Bobby Bridge rated the Tigers players who performed against Connacht…
15. BRYCE HEGARTY: This is why Leicester Tigers signed the versatile Australian. He took his try in the first-half beautifully and looked at ease in the kicking exchanges when in the backfield. With half an hour to go, he replaced Burns at fly-half and was the calm head needed to guide Tigers home. 8/10
14. FREDDIE STEWARD: Marked his Champions Cup debut with a nice try. Defended his right wing channel manfully and showed great appetite to scoop a low ball near the touchline before making yards and earning a second-half penalty. Little moments like that really add up in tight contests. 7/10
13. MATT SCOTT: The Scottish centre is in the side for moments like his first-half break when he cut a delicious line. He was also key in the exchange that led to Steward’s try. 7/10
12. DAN KELLY: The young centre had a hand in both the Hegarty and Steward tries but was also at fault for both of Connacht’s scores. 6/10
11. HOSEA SAUMAKI: A tale of two halves for the Tongan, who initially struggled before growing into the game as it went on. Backed his pace with a diagonal line for his try. Didn’t put a foot wrong thereafter and ended up as Tigers’ top tackler with 10. 7/10
10. FREDDIE BURNS: Not the afternoon he dreamt of in his first start at fly-half since returning to Tigers. Produced two great tackles and linked up well for Hegarty’s try. However, he put two kicks from open play out on the full, rushed and missed a penalty kick to touch and his hurried pass to Kelly ultimately led to Carty’s score. By no means a disaster, but it was right to bring Hegarty forward. 5/10
9. BEN YOUNGS: The heartbeat of the attacking effort with his sniping break proving key to Dolly’s try. Conceded a couple of penalties for a high tackle and a deliberate knock on but remained a nuisance for Connacht and full of energy. 7/10
1. NEPHI LEATIGAGA: The first man to wear the number one shirt since the Ellis Genge news broke started off well winning a scrum penalty, but that was balanced out by being penalised before half-time. Had a strong carry in build-up to Dolly’s try. 6/10
2. NIC DOLLY: Scored try number seven of a remarkable season. Held his width and finished expertly. 7/10
3. JOE HEYES: The impact of the replacement forwards shouldn’t be confused with the starting front row not doing their jobs well, as Heyes held his ground at scrum time and was busy in defence. 6/10
4. HARRY WELLS: Kick off security with this man on the field is a given and helps Tigers restart games on the front foot. 6.5/10
5. ELI SNYMAN: Brought physicality to the defensive effort before making way for Calum Green 15 minutes after the break. 6/10
6. GEORGE MARTIN: It’s so easy to focus on the 20-year-old’s defensive qualities, given how he puts his body on the line every week. But there’s so much more to his game, as when he provided the pivot for Hegarty’s try. Competed well at the lineout. 7/10
7. TOMMY REFFELL: His contributions to this match were huge and telling. Like when he pounced on a loose ball inches from his own line, or leapt upon Arnold after Burns’ fine tackle. There was only one point in the game when Connacht broke away, but guess who was back defending and earning the turnover? A top class performer who kept Springboks ace van Staden waiting. 8/10
8. JASPER WIESE: More like it from the number eight. He drove at the heart of the Connacht defence for 38 metres – more than all of the other 13 Tigers forwards who featured combined. 7. 7/10
REPLACEMENTS: Julian Montoya (for Dolly, 51) 7; James Whitcombe (for Leatigaga, 51) 7.5; Dan Cole (for Heyes, 51) 7.5; Calum Green (for Snyman, 56) 6.5; Ollie Chessum (for Martin, 58) 6.5; Marco van Staden (for Reffell, 60) 6; Jack van Poortvliet (for Youngs, 65) 6; Guy Porter (for Burns, 51) 6.5