Jump to Main ContentJump to Primary Navigation
leicestertigers.comMattioli Woods Welford RoadContact UsTopps Tiles
Rugby News

Chiefs fightback frustrates Tigers

Geordan Murphy admitted to a sense of frustration in the dressing-room after Leicester Tigers emerged empty-handed from the home game against Exeter Chiefs on Saturday despite scoring three first-half tries.

Tigers led 22-14 following scores from Jonny May (2) and Jordan Taufua on his first appearance at Welford Road, but two tries in five minutes around the hour mark gave Chiefs the impetus for a 31-22 victory in Round 6 of the Gallagher Premiership season.

“It is incredibly frustrating, that’s the feeling now,” head coach Murphy told the media at the final whistle.

“Exeter started well and we gave them an opportunity to come to the line and they are clinical there. But I was really impressed with the other 30 minutes in the first half. Eight points up at half-time, we were in a good place and just wanted to keep doing well what we were doing.

“We scored some good tries and for 60 minutes I thought we played really well.

“But we started giving them a few penalties and they are very dangerous in your territory and a tough team to stop. They imposed their game on us, they played territory very well.

“It’s frustrating to come away with nothing on the back of playing well in the first half.”

There were positives for Murphy and his colleagues, most notably in the combination of overseas signings Taufua and lock Tomas Lavanini in the Tigers pack.

“They’re guys who have just come into the team, it’s the first time we’ve had them on the pitch together and they are quality players,” he said. “They’re big signings for us. It’s nice for Jordan to get a try on his home debut.”