Cockerill: I don’t think that saved my job

LEICESTER hero Owen Williams played down his match-winning 55 metre effort after the match.

“It was a big kick but that is what I get paid to do,” said the Tigers flyhalf. “It’s my job. I just concentrated on my routine and striking the ball, and thankfully it went over. I was quite calm afterwards. I thought I would be jumping for joy but it was just relief to be honest.”

Leicester director of rugby Richard Cockerill was also refused to get carried away. “It was important for the winning of the game, (but) regardless of whether Owen had kicked it or not, it was a fantastic game of rugby with a good performance from both sides.

“Those are the fine margins of happiness or sadness I suppose. I thought both sides went into it manfully and I am delighted that we won. It doesn’t change anything, we are still in the pool just about and there will be less s*** written about the club this week.”

Asked if he thought the penalty had saved his job Cockerill said: “I don’t think so. But that is sport. I don’t think a kick at goal should dictate whether anybody loses their job or not. f the margins are that fine, then it is a tough place to be.”

He added: “We are a fantastic club. We have been here a long time and we will be here in another 100 years. We have yet to see if some other clubs will be. So I am proud of this club, proud to work for it and very proud of the performance tonight.”

Munster director of rugby Rassie Erasmus complimented the Tigers. “It was a Leicester team that were playing for survival and they were really desperate and they deserved to win the game.

“Even if that kick didn’t go over, I feel, overall, they played better than us on the day.”