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'Like Welford Road days of old' says Cockerill

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Richard Cockerill claimed it was 'just like old times' at Welford Road on Saturday as a third successive victory pushed Leicester Tigers up to second place in the Guinness Premiership table.

Acting head coach Cockerill saw Tigers claim a 24-10 win over league leaders Gloucester in front of a sell-out 17,498 crowd thanks to 21 points from scrum-half Julien Dupuy and a long-distance drop goal from Geordan Murphy.

“We gave away a soft try trying to play some open rugby but to be able come back shows the mentality of the players was first rate,” said Cockerill.

“It reminded me of Welford Road and how it should be, as the fortress we have had in previous years.

“I thought the performance was fantastic, it was probably the best we have had in the last month or so in terms of the way we attacked the game and the way we played, especially against such a good team. We created opportunities and, even though we didn’t score a try, the endeavour and attitude were first class.

“We defended well, competed well at the breakdown and the discipline was really good. We were good for the win.

“We have good players, they want the ball in their hands - guys like Aaron Mauger, Alesana Tuilagi, Geordan Murphy and Tom Croft. The lineout is still strong, we want to drive, we want to scrimmage and the attitude to want to play is infectious.”
Cockerill singled-out Dupuy after landing seven penalties and also for his general work in an excellent team effort.

“I thought he was outstanding, he has been the signing of the season for the Guinness Premiership,” said Cockerill. 

“The way he makes the team run and the way he has played, he has got to be looked at by the France management.”

Tigers have six games remaining in the Guinness Premiership season, starting at Bristol on Friday evening. The next home game is against Saracens on Saturday, March 21 (2.45pm). Tickets are on sale now from the Tigers ticket office. Call 08701 28 34 30 or book online.