Geordan Murphy says a run in the Anglo-Welsh Cup can have a positive effect throughout the Leicester Tigers squad as they prepare to return to Aviva Premiership action.
Tigers won their first three fixtures in the knockout tournament to top Pool 4 but suffered a first defeat at Saracens on Sunday and now face a return to Allianz Park in the semi-finals in March.
Assistant coach Murphy has taken a lead role on the staff in the competition and said: “The Anglo-Welsh is an opportunity for a lot of guys who have not had time on the field to play and they can really raise the spirit of the squad.
“We were really disappointed with the first half. We were playing into a strong wind but probably didn’t control territory as much as we should have done. I think it was 75 per cent ball was in our half.
“At half-time we talked about playing territory and showed at times we can play some really good football.
“We clawed our way back into it, we had a few penalties and a few penalty advantages close to their line which allowed us to build some pressure on them.”
Luke Hamilton and George McGuigan scored the tries as Tigers fought back from 19-3 down to peg the lead back to just two points at 22-20 before Saracens added their bonus-point try in the final attack of the game to cement top spot in Pool 1 and No1 seeding in the semi-finals.
“The boys worked hard for each other and naturally they’re disappointed,” added Murphy. “Hopefully for our younger players that is as great learning experience looking back at the game.”
Tigers return to league action with a home game against Gloucester Rugby on Saturday. Kick-off is at 3pm and tickets are on general sale now. There will also be full coverage of England versus Wales at the stadium, kick-off 4.50pm.
Book Tigers tickets in person at the Welford Road ticket office, phone 0116 319 8888 (option 2) or click here to book online.
Tigers won their first three fixtures in the knockout tournament to top Pool 4 but suffered a first defeat at Saracens on Sunday and now face a return to Allianz Park in the semi-finals in March.
Assistant coach Murphy has taken a lead role on the staff in the competition and said: “The Anglo-Welsh is an opportunity for a lot of guys who have not had time on the field to play and they can really raise the spirit of the squad.
“We were really disappointed with the first half. We were playing into a strong wind but probably didn’t control territory as much as we should have done. I think it was 75 per cent ball was in our half.
“At half-time we talked about playing territory and showed at times we can play some really good football.
“We clawed our way back into it, we had a few penalties and a few penalty advantages close to their line which allowed us to build some pressure on them.”
Luke Hamilton and George McGuigan scored the tries as Tigers fought back from 19-3 down to peg the lead back to just two points at 22-20 before Saracens added their bonus-point try in the final attack of the game to cement top spot in Pool 1 and No1 seeding in the semi-finals.
“The boys worked hard for each other and naturally they’re disappointed,” added Murphy. “Hopefully for our younger players that is as great learning experience looking back at the game.”
Tigers return to league action with a home game against Gloucester Rugby on Saturday. Kick-off is at 3pm and tickets are on general sale now. There will also be full coverage of England versus Wales at the stadium, kick-off 4.50pm.
Book Tigers tickets in person at the Welford Road ticket office, phone 0116 319 8888 (option 2) or click here to book online.
