Sunday's victory over previously unbeaten Bath has been described as "a proper Leicester" performance by director of rugby Richard Cockerill.
Tigers made it three wins from four games with tries from Brendon O’Connor, Tom Youngs and Ed Slater in a 34-14 victory in front of another 20,000 crowd at Welford Road, but it was the manner of the performance as much as the result which pleased boss Cockerill.
“It was a proper game of rugby,” Cockerill said. “That was the real Leicester Tigers out there, which was very pleasing.
“I don’t think we let Bath get into their rhythm and, credit to the players, it has been a tough week, we were under pressure against a side unbeaten in the first three games and we dealt with it.
“It was a proper Leicester performance, probably for the first time this season. It’s nice to get Welford Road on its feet to cheer a bit of grit from the players.
“We’ve had a poor start to the season in terms of performance. We’ve not played anywhere near how we would have liked, but today it was a good step in the right direction.”
Unbeaten in two away games, Tigers registered a first win at home after losing in Round 2 to Wasps and Cockerill said traditional values of heart and commitment played a big part.
“I’m happy for the team, happy that they put in a performance worthy of the occasion,” he said.
“There was passion and pride in what we are doing and a fair amount of skill on the field too.
“The boys are happy with the result, they’ve put the record straight a bit after the last three weeks. We did well with the comeback at Gloucester, but we were very disappointed in the performance against Wasps and it was a pretty horrible performance at Newcastle.
“The players wanted to put in a performance that showed they care about what they do. They had pride, commitment, emotion and passion. It was a big, important day for us and we put in a decent performance.
“What pleases me most is Welford Road has a lot of history and I’m pleased we did it proud today.”
Tigers are away to Sale Sharks in Round 5 on Saturday before a return to Welford Road for a Round 6 fixture against Worcester Warriors on Saturday, October 7 (3pm). Match tickets are available now. Book in person at Welford Road, phone the ticket office on 0116 319 8888 (option 2) or click here to book online.
Tigers made it three wins from four games with tries from Brendon O’Connor, Tom Youngs and Ed Slater in a 34-14 victory in front of another 20,000 crowd at Welford Road, but it was the manner of the performance as much as the result which pleased boss Cockerill.
“It was a proper game of rugby,” Cockerill said. “That was the real Leicester Tigers out there, which was very pleasing.
“I don’t think we let Bath get into their rhythm and, credit to the players, it has been a tough week, we were under pressure against a side unbeaten in the first three games and we dealt with it.
“It was a proper Leicester performance, probably for the first time this season. It’s nice to get Welford Road on its feet to cheer a bit of grit from the players.
“We’ve had a poor start to the season in terms of performance. We’ve not played anywhere near how we would have liked, but today it was a good step in the right direction.”
Unbeaten in two away games, Tigers registered a first win at home after losing in Round 2 to Wasps and Cockerill said traditional values of heart and commitment played a big part.
“I’m happy for the team, happy that they put in a performance worthy of the occasion,” he said.
“There was passion and pride in what we are doing and a fair amount of skill on the field too.
“The boys are happy with the result, they’ve put the record straight a bit after the last three weeks. We did well with the comeback at Gloucester, but we were very disappointed in the performance against Wasps and it was a pretty horrible performance at Newcastle.
“The players wanted to put in a performance that showed they care about what they do. They had pride, commitment, emotion and passion. It was a big, important day for us and we put in a decent performance.
“What pleases me most is Welford Road has a lot of history and I’m pleased we did it proud today.”
Tigers are away to Sale Sharks in Round 5 on Saturday before a return to Welford Road for a Round 6 fixture against Worcester Warriors on Saturday, October 7 (3pm). Match tickets are available now. Book in person at Welford Road, phone the ticket office on 0116 319 8888 (option 2) or click here to book online.
