Tigers to change stripes
Today, 3pm
STEVE BORTHWICK says his Leicester Tigers need to “change some old habits” to clamp down on disciplinary problems.
Three red cards in five games and 14 yellows in as many games in all competitions this season have resulted in them being one of the Premiership’s worst offenders.
Wing Kobus van Wyk copped a four-week ban for a dangerous tackle in the defeat by Exeter Chiefs while fellow South
Africans Hanro Liebenberg and Jasper Wiese have also been sent off.
Despite missing key players through suspensions, the top four is still within their range as they prepare to host Newcastle Falcons today.
However, Borthwick realises it could well develop into a major dilemma as the pressure grows on both the domestic and European fronts in the coming weeks.
The former England coach said: “I’m never happy with the penalty count unless it’s zero on our side and a lot on the other in our favour.
“If you look at the separate red cards incidents they have all been for different reasons.
“Do we need to change our habits of playing the game lower? Yes! Have players been playing the game higher for 15 or 20 years? Yes!
“Can you change that overnight...no! But we are definitely trying to improve in that area.”
The Falcons are without Argentina winger Mateo Carreras, who starts a nine-week ban for an eyegouge on Wasps’ Josh Bassett.
But boss Dean Richards said: “Now would be a good time to get that winning mentality back.”
England stars George
Ford and Ellis Genge return for Tigers following their Six Nations exploits.