Leicester Tigers head coach Michael Cheika was pleased with his side's shift in mentality in the second half of Saturday night's 38-10 victory against Ulster Rugby in the Investec Champions Cup.
Despite creating multiple chances, it took until the 40th minute for Tigers to seize the lead from Ulster, Josh Bassett grabbing the second of what would be three tries for the winger on the night.
"I thought in that first half we just didn’t look like want to take the opportunities that came our way," Cheika explained.
"In the second we looked like we wanted to, it's simple as that.
"We probably created same amount but took them and therefore score was better. That’s part of building mentality. Being eyes wide open ready to go, want to take it at all costs.
"Shame we didn’t get the ones in the first but we got the ones in second.
"We spoke truthfully to each other at half time and the players shifted that mindset in the second half which is good."
Freddie Steward was crowned player of the match in his 100th game for the club.
“It’s a huge effort. I was saying in the changing room how much of a pleasure it’s been to be part of 15 or however many of those 100.
“How much he puts his body on the line and how he puts everything into things as a person and as a player, he’s going good.”
Tigers had a makeshift training week leading into the Ulster clash, with weather conditions putting Leicester's dedicated grounds team under immense pressure.
Cheika said the work of Ed Mowe and his team was not lost on the players.
"Rest assured the playing squad, coaches, we’re very conscious of what the grounds staff have done to make sure we could play tonight.
“Not just here at Mattioli Woods Welford Road, but at Oval Park as well.
"The conditions this week, there were fields under water, frozen, somehow, they got us on the field to get us on to train on Wednesday in decent conditions which was borderline incredible really.”
Michael Cheika in conversation with our studio panel after coaching his @LeicesterTigers side to the knockouts 🐅
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) January 11, 2025
"I've really enjoyed the club, the fans, the playing group. They've been really good to me." 🗣️#InvestecChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/DIDGx9iWHc