Richard Cockerill says Leicester Tigers produced one of their most complete performances of the season in Sunday's European Champions Cup win over Racing 92.
Brendon O’Connor and Freddie Burns scored tries in a 27-17 victory over the French Top 14 champions at Welford Road as Tigers bounced back from a disappointing defeat in the Pool 1 opener at Glasgow.
“Mentally and physically we were very good, the supporters were very good as well,” said Tigers director of rugby Cockerill.
“The crowd got behind us because we gave them something to cheer about. We’ve probably been waiting a while for an all-round 80-minute performance like that.
“Against a very good Racing side, we defended well at the set-piece, the attitude across the board was fantastic. We fronted up and played very well.
“I’m delighted with the performance and the result obviously, and denying them anything from the game is important. Racing have a backline with world-class players, they are a very good side and they caused us some problems, but by and large we dealt with it pretty well.”
Dan Carter, Test rugby’s record points scorer, ran in to score for Racing early in the second half and cut the gap to one point at 11-10 before Burns claimed an interception try which provided some breathing room for the home team.
Moment later, though, Carter almost had a second try, only to be denied by a last-ditch tackle from Mathew Tait which meant his reach for the tryline fell just short.
“The willingness to put bodies on the line was very good,” said Cockerill. “Our effort to get back and make those tackles was great.”
Matt Toomua’s home debut lasted just 25 minutes before his day was cut short by a knee injury, while Tigers also lost Dom Barrow and Telusa Veainu with head knocks. Full-back Telusa Veainu left the field on a stretcher but was cheered as he signalled to the crowd on his way off and Cockerill confirmed he was back in the dressing room with his team-mates at the full-time whistle.
The Champions Cup campaign resumes with back-to-back matches against Munster rugby in December. A supporters' trip to Limerick on Saturday, December 10 is available with club travel partners Thomas Cook Travel, flying out and back in a day from East Midlands to Shannon, with airport transfers and guaranteed match ticket. Click here for more information. Book before this Friday and you could also win a signed Tigers shirt.
Brendon O’Connor and Freddie Burns scored tries in a 27-17 victory over the French Top 14 champions at Welford Road as Tigers bounced back from a disappointing defeat in the Pool 1 opener at Glasgow.
“Mentally and physically we were very good, the supporters were very good as well,” said Tigers director of rugby Cockerill.
“The crowd got behind us because we gave them something to cheer about. We’ve probably been waiting a while for an all-round 80-minute performance like that.
“Against a very good Racing side, we defended well at the set-piece, the attitude across the board was fantastic. We fronted up and played very well.
“I’m delighted with the performance and the result obviously, and denying them anything from the game is important. Racing have a backline with world-class players, they are a very good side and they caused us some problems, but by and large we dealt with it pretty well.”
Dan Carter, Test rugby’s record points scorer, ran in to score for Racing early in the second half and cut the gap to one point at 11-10 before Burns claimed an interception try which provided some breathing room for the home team.
Moment later, though, Carter almost had a second try, only to be denied by a last-ditch tackle from Mathew Tait which meant his reach for the tryline fell just short.
“The willingness to put bodies on the line was very good,” said Cockerill. “Our effort to get back and make those tackles was great.”
Matt Toomua’s home debut lasted just 25 minutes before his day was cut short by a knee injury, while Tigers also lost Dom Barrow and Telusa Veainu with head knocks. Full-back Telusa Veainu left the field on a stretcher but was cheered as he signalled to the crowd on his way off and Cockerill confirmed he was back in the dressing room with his team-mates at the full-time whistle.
The Champions Cup campaign resumes with back-to-back matches against Munster rugby in December. A supporters' trip to Limerick on Saturday, December 10 is available with club travel partners Thomas Cook Travel, flying out and back in a day from East Midlands to Shannon, with airport transfers and guaranteed match ticket. Click here for more information. Book before this Friday and you could also win a signed Tigers shirt.
