Tigers’ gutsy triumph reflects the humility and passion of Sinfield
Having talked to several people at Leicester, all of them identified his work as a major factor in their title victory
I had a look back at the recent articles I have written about Leicester Tigers, and in particular one written just two games into this season’s Gallagher Premiership. In that piece I wrote that even at that stage in the campaign, Tigers looked the real deal this time around.
I expected them to do well. Did I expect them to be crowned champions? Possibly. Did I expect them to lead for every round and then, knowing they were to play Saracens in the final, think they would win? No. Although many will not admit making the same errant call, there were plenty who thought like me, even Leicester supporters.
Saturday’s final was one of attrition and power, as opposed to guile and creativity, but it was nonetheless compelling.
It was important for Tigers that they did not allow Sarries to get an early lead because we have seen how effective Mark Mccall’s side are in shutting out opponents when they get in front. Had it not been for a couple of promising driven mauls that went wrong, Tigers could and probably should have won more comfortably.
As Leicester could not put much clear water between the teams, they were always going to be vulnerable against a side with so many quality players.
When Saracens started to chip away at the Leicester lead in the second half, it seemed almost inevitable that they would eventually grind down their rivals and, as so many times before, they would find a way to win.
It is to Leicester’s immense credit that they stood up to the final Saracens’ onslaught. In particular, the way in which they fashioned a last-gasp dropped goal from Freddie Burns showed huge character. It was achieved while Tigers were down to 14 men and the multi-phase drive went nearly 70 metres downfield before the hero of the day,
Burns, wobbled over the gamewinner.
Burns has had an uneven career and admitted as much in his post-match interview. What has never been in doubt is his commitment to the game and he deserves the special memories that will come with such dramatic a denouement.
When you look back at the match, you have to say that although only three points separated the teams, the Tigers were worthy winners. They had the confidence to empty their bench and take off several of their experienced starting XV, trusting their replacements to negotiate the fraught last quarter.
If you watched on TV, you could not miss the distinct features of Kevin Sinfield, Tigers’ recently appointed defence coach. Cameras turned to him so often because his side produced several outstanding periods of defence. This part of the game is not just about technique and organisation; it is as much, if not more, about sheer guts, which Tigers have in spades.
Having talked to several people at Leicester, all identified Sinfield’s work as a major factor in their title win. What is it about his work or about him that makes the difference? First of all, they say that Sinfield knows his brief and does not step away from it. He is able to communicate his message clearly and concisely and reduces what could become complicated problems to more manageable proportions.
Yet, with Sinfield there are other factors as to why his input has been so effective, and those are not down to anything more technical than his character. Provided your coach can identify and communicate ways in which you can improve, their former playing status is not important. But with Sinfield’s simple lessons comes a playing and coaching career, in both codes. When players see how good Sinfield was; when they hear about his 100+ miles charity run for former team-mate Rob Burrow; when they see his passion and desire, his message is always heightened.
He is adored and respected in equal measure at Welford Road because his humility chimes with Tigers’ down-to-earth values – he is the best of men.