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Everyone played their part, says Tait

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After Leicester Tigers opened their European account for the season with victory over Racing 92, Mathew Tait says denying the French champions a single match point could be important in the pool shake-up.

Tigers scored tries through Brendon O’Connor and Freddie Burns to record a 27-17 win against last year’s Champions Cup runners-up at Welford Road.
 
The result means Tigers have now lost just once in their last 34 home games in Europe’s elite club competition and extended their unbeaten home run against French opposition to 15 games.
 
The win owed much to the defensive effort, not least Tait’s try-saving tackle on New Zealand great Dan Carter during the second-half which followed a stunning first-half effort by Graham Kitchener to halt France scrum-half Maxime Machenaud in his tracks.
 
And afterwards Tait said: “The pleasing thing for us was the win, but also to stop them getting a point. With the calibre of player they have in their team it was pleasing to get the win and stop them getting a bonus point.

“When it comes to the mix at the end of the group stage, it’s those points that you have picked up yourself and stopped others from getting that could end up being the difference.

“We needed that result. We spoke in the week about a big performance. Tom Youngs spoke about backing your teammates. We did that.

“We adjusted well to losing a couple of guys, and I thought we coped with that well. I thought everybody contributed and did their bit, and that was the pleasing thing, it was a team performance." 

Tigers are back at Welford Road in the Champions Cup when Munster Rugby visit on Saturday, December 17 (3.15pm). Match tickets are on sale now on 0116 319 8888 (option 2) and online by clicking here.

Before then, Harlequins (Sunday, November 20) and Northampton Saints (Saturday, December 3) visit in the Aviva Premiership, and Newport Gwent Dragons come to Welford Road in the Anglo-Welsh Cup (Saturday, November 12). Book your place on 0116 319 8888 (option 2) and online by clicking here.