‘We felt deflated because we know we can be much better’
KELLY REALISES TIGERS NEARLY LET QUINS GRAB A LATE VICTORY
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DAN Kelly admitted there was a “weird mood” within the Leicester Tigers changing room after the 35-29 victory over Harlequins on Saturday afternoon.
Despite recording a bonus-point Premiership win over one of the league’ most in-form sides, Kelly said the overwhelming emotion among he and his Leicester teammates was “deflation”.
“Look, we held on in the end and that’s positive… we won and that’s what we came to do today,” Kelly told the Leicester Tigers website.
“But honestly, coming in to the rooms at the end it was a bit of a weird mood despite the win.
“We were a bit deflated because we know we can be much better than that and allowed them back in to the match.”
Tigers led 29-12 at the break, having run in three tries before halftime, and spent the final quarter of the opening 40 minutes with only 13 men on the field after yellow cards to front-rowers Ellis Genge and Dan Cole.
A gritty defensive effort in the dying stages of the match saw Leicester hold on for victory after their flying start, which Kelly said was a focus for the group coming in to the match.
“We made a quality start, which is something we targeted through the week,” he said.
“Momentum swings in the game and if you give them a sniff, like we did, they take it ... ‘Quins are a good side, they’re in the top four for a reason.
“We are happy we got five points and a four-try bonus point but, honestly, we’re just thinking about what can do better.
“That’s the standards Steve [Borthwick] sets and the standards we all work towards.”
The 19-year-old is one of four midfielders who Borthwick has rotated throughout the 2020/21 season, alongside internationals Matt Scott, Jaco Taute and Matías Moroni.
While Taute is currently sidelined through injury, the Leicester youngster is enjoying the chance and challenge of learning and competing with three experienced centres.
“I am so fortunate to be learning from such quality players and people in Scotty, Jaco and Tute,” Kelly said.
“I want to keep soaking information of them, day in and day out… it’s a great opportunity and learning experience.”
Asked about Friday’s European Challenge Cup final against Montpellier at Twickenham, the Tigers centre admitted he had not thought beyond the clash with Quins.
“I haven’t thought about it, this game is all we have focused on at the club,” he said. “I’ll recover and recharge the body, come in and review this game and take away what I can do better, then we’ll get in to Friday’s match. You have just got to play the game, not the occasion.”