Regrets? Tigers have a few after first-half showing ends Euro hopes
YOUNGSTERS SHOULD SEE RUN TO LAST EIGHT AS A SPRINGBOARD FOR SUCCESS, SAYS BOSS
HEAD coach Steve Borthwick rued a “regrettable” first half as Leicester Tigers exited the Heineken Champions Cup at the quarter-final stage.
Leinster enjoyed a formidable first-half at Mattioli Woods Welford Road registering 20 points as Tigers failed to threaten the visitors’ line.
The hosts improved after the break to win the second period 14-3, but it was not enough to secure a semi-final against Toulouse.
“We needed to be more clinical, that’s the immediate takeaway from today for us,” said Borthwick.
“It is not flamboyance that wins you these knockout games, it’s doing the basics well and doing them well every single time, from start to finish.
“The first half was a bit regrettable and then when you are down 20-0 at the break, well... that’s a long, long way to climb against a side of Leinster’s quality and experience.”
Fresh from becoming the Premiership’s all-time leading tryscorer with a hat-trick against Bristol Bears last weekend, 35-year-old Chris Ashton glided over early into the second half to raise hopes of a comeback.
But the United Rugby Championship leaders held firm until the final few minutes when Tigers’ lineout finally fired and replacement hooker Nic Dolly drove over for another try that cut the final deficit to nine points.
“The message was pretty simple: let’s go and have a go at them,” said Borthwick.
“We knew we had a big lead to chip away at and, as they have every game this season, the players fought hard for one another and showed their grit to get themselves back in the contest.”
After two years out of Europe’s elite competition, Tigers can reflect on a strong return to the top table after doubles over Connacht and Clermont, as well as victory away from home over Bordeaux.
“I think back to the performances we have seen during this European season and the adventure we have been on as a group,” Borthwick said.
“I am incredibly proud of what we have done in Europe this season and the things we can take away from the campaign; the debuts we have seen, the memories we have made and the performances, most against the odds, at home and away.
“As an adventure, all together, it has been a great learning experience and something I think this young Leicester Tigers group can use as a springboard to continue carrying the club forward.”
A first home defeat in 11 months leaves Tigers with one focus, to be crowned Gallagher Premiership champions. A home semi-final is already secured ahead of their final two games of the league season away at Newcastle Falcons and at home to Wasps.
“The players will have a few extra days to recharge, physically and emotionally as well,” said Borthwick.
“They have earned that, they need it. We have had a lot of games recently, including midweek fixtures, and so they will have a few days to recharge before we get straight into preparing for Falcons away.
“We won’t change the way we have approached every game this season, which is that we only look at the next game and - in that game - we need to be better than we were today. We must keep improving.”