Marcelo Loffreda will be looking for a repeat of the commitment and control that took Tigers to victory over Leinster when Newcastle Falcons arrive at Welford Road on Saturday.

“We were happy with the performance last week and it was really good to see the team play like that,” said the Tigers head coach of the team's display in a 25-9 win which rounded off this season’s Heineken Cup campaign.

“I was very proud and pretty relaxed when the game finished because I knew they could do it. The players demonstrated they have a good, strong mentality. It was very important to us to play well and to win.

“Now we need at least the same passion and pride this weekend. That is the spirit and attitude that everybody wants each week.”

Looking at the possible threats from a Newcastle side which features All Blacks prop Carl Hayman and four current England internationals among the backs, Loffreda said: “We know the Falcons are a strong team, they have top-class players. Jonny Wilkinson is a major influence but they also have other very good players. It is a very tough game.”