Tigers fought back from 17-3 down at half-time through Mauger’s first try of the season, before they conceded a breakaway try in injury-time to lose 27-13.
“It was pretty frustrating,” said the New Zealand international. “I think we played well but they capitalised on our mistakes. That’s how they scored their points and scored their tries. They took them well but we are our own worst enemy at times.
“I think we played well for long periods of the game but we turned the ball over and they scored from it.
“We came back into the game in the second half and put some good hits in and started to gain some ascendency up front. We weren’t really outplayed by them but they took their opportunities better than us.”
Mauger began the game at inside centre before moving to fly-half early in the second half following Derick Hougaard’s withdrawal through injury.
It was from that position that he sidestepped his way through the home defence to score his first try of the season, and Mauger admitted fly-half is a role he enjoys playing.
He said: “I love playing fly-half over here, especially as a defence tires. I like to take it to the line and use the guys around me, off load and look for inside balls. It’s always something I have enjoyed doing and it doesn’t bother me if I have to go in there and play that role.”
Tigers return to action on Saturday when they play Perpignan in the Heineken Cup at Welford Road. Tickets are on sale now for the game, which kicks off at 5.30pm, from the Welford Road ticket office, by calling 08701 28 34 30 or online.
