It’s vital players carry on their good work with an away victory

IT’S no exaggeration to suggest that the Leicester performance against Gloucester in the opening round of the Premiership was their best for at least three years.

While that might also put into perspective just how poor the Tigers have been for too long, the effect on morale of the fans, and probably the players, has been excellent.

At the same time, it’s the first match of the season and, as the dust settles, there has been a realistic appraisal of what the visitors brought to the party.

In truth, Gloucester really weren’t very good. A penalty count that was grisly, particularly in important areas and at important times, one of Danny Cipriani’s off days and a team that resembled Dad’s Army (only Ackerman was below 30) means that it would be dangerous to read too much into the Tigers’ performance.

So, can Leicester continue their improvement against London Irish?

The last time Leicester won away in the Premiership was at Bath in October 2019, but it seems longer.

Meanwhile, London Irish have the distinction of possibly a slightly worse record than Tigers, having only won one Premiership game in their last 12 against Exeter’s seconds (possibly thirds!)

However, they were absolutely in the game away to Worcester last week, and were excellent in defence but lacked a cutting edge up front and struggled in the set piece.

The game is also notable because it marks the move back into London and the start of the groundshare at Brentford Community Stadium. (Losing the favourite internet nickname of “Not Nots” – not in London and not Irish).

Leicester will first of all look to their own Dad’s Army members.

Dan Cole and Tom Youngs will look to exploit a potential weakness in the Irish scrum, while 37-year-old Richard Wigglesworth, who was the glue that held the Tigers together last week, will surely run the show again.

The potential embarrassment of riches in the back row could also be key for the Tigers.

Last week’s fans’ favourite Jasper Wiese, below, in combination with Brink and Liebenberg, is a potent combination with or without the ball.

The strength of Jordan Taufua and jackal skills of Tommy Reffell off the bench provides genuine impact later in the game.

For the first time in a long time it is possible to predict a Leicester away win without the accompanying sarcastic smiley.

It’s vital for the season that the first week’s good work is underlined against one of the Tigers’ rivals for last

place.