Aaron Mauger says he was impressed by the resilience of the Leicester Tigers squad in recording an important win at Harlequins on Friday evening.
Tigers claimed three tries in a 27-18 victory at The Twickenham Stoop where Quins had previously won every league game this season. The win took Tigers level on points with fourth-placed Bath after Round 16.
“Quins are a good team, they like to play a lot of rugby, they have a good offloading game and when they put us under pressure our guys didn’t waiver at all,” said head coach Mauger as Tigers completed a third successive league win and a first on the road since the trip to Bristol in November.
“Our resilience has been good, that’s starting to come through.
“To come here against a Harlequins side that has been unbeaten at home in the league and play in the manner we did was really pleasing. We’ve made a lot of progress and we’re pretty happy with where we are, but there is still a lot to improve on.
“Winning on the road has not been our strongest point this year. The build-up was good, the energy and confidence were there – it’s nice to know we can perform away from home.
“Any win is a good win away from home. I don’t think we let them into the rhythm of their game and we competed for everything.”
Tigers had to come from 13-3 down and gained momentum with three tries at the start of the second half.
“We’re a bit disappointed not to get the full five points – if we’ve been a bit more clinical in the first 25 minutes perhaps we could have done that,” said Mauger.
“But I’m really pleased with defence in the first 20 minutes and at the end of the game. We slipped off a bit in the second quarter while they got some momentum, but we adjusted well at half-time. The boys came out and sorted that. It’s good to see them take responsibility for those parts of the game.
“We probably tried to carry a bit too much in the first half and could have been a bit smarter in that. We talked about playing more territory and competing, and Freddie Burns did that very well.
“The group really believe what we are doing. Five or six weeks ago we were in a bit of a hole and it is that belief and confidence that allowed us to dig a win out of it. Everyone is committed to it, we are all working very hard, the staff and the players included, and you can see that in the detail of the performances.”
Tigers return to Welford Road in Round 17 with a home game against second-placed Exeter Chiefs on Friday evening. Kick-off is at 7.45pm and tickets are available now. Book in person at the Tigers ticket office, phone 0116 319 8888 (option 2)(open 9am-5pm Monday-Saturday every week), or click here to book online any time.
Tigers claimed three tries in a 27-18 victory at The Twickenham Stoop where Quins had previously won every league game this season. The win took Tigers level on points with fourth-placed Bath after Round 16.
“Quins are a good team, they like to play a lot of rugby, they have a good offloading game and when they put us under pressure our guys didn’t waiver at all,” said head coach Mauger as Tigers completed a third successive league win and a first on the road since the trip to Bristol in November.
“Our resilience has been good, that’s starting to come through.
“To come here against a Harlequins side that has been unbeaten at home in the league and play in the manner we did was really pleasing. We’ve made a lot of progress and we’re pretty happy with where we are, but there is still a lot to improve on.
“Winning on the road has not been our strongest point this year. The build-up was good, the energy and confidence were there – it’s nice to know we can perform away from home.
“Any win is a good win away from home. I don’t think we let them into the rhythm of their game and we competed for everything.”
Tigers had to come from 13-3 down and gained momentum with three tries at the start of the second half.
“We’re a bit disappointed not to get the full five points – if we’ve been a bit more clinical in the first 25 minutes perhaps we could have done that,” said Mauger.
“But I’m really pleased with defence in the first 20 minutes and at the end of the game. We slipped off a bit in the second quarter while they got some momentum, but we adjusted well at half-time. The boys came out and sorted that. It’s good to see them take responsibility for those parts of the game.
“We probably tried to carry a bit too much in the first half and could have been a bit smarter in that. We talked about playing more territory and competing, and Freddie Burns did that very well.
“The group really believe what we are doing. Five or six weeks ago we were in a bit of a hole and it is that belief and confidence that allowed us to dig a win out of it. Everyone is committed to it, we are all working very hard, the staff and the players included, and you can see that in the detail of the performances.”
Tigers return to Welford Road in Round 17 with a home game against second-placed Exeter Chiefs on Friday evening. Kick-off is at 7.45pm and tickets are available now. Book in person at the Tigers ticket office, phone 0116 319 8888 (option 2)(open 9am-5pm Monday-Saturday every week), or click here to book online any time.
