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

Maximum points haul cheers Cockerill

Figure image
Richard Cockerill believes maximum points from the opening two games in Europe can act as a confidence-booster for Leicester Tigers going into the remaining fixtures in Pool 4.After kicking off their European Champions Cup campaign with a four-try win over Stade Francais, Leicester Tigers safely negotiated a trip to Italy on Saturday with five tries in a 36-3 victory against Benetton Treviso. In December, Tigers face crucial back-to-back fixtures against Munster before the returns with Treviso and Stade in the new year.   “You’ve got to be happy with maximum points from two games,” Richard Cockerill, Leicester Tigers director of rugby, said.   “Two wins out of two is a good start and getting two bonus points is important too – every point will count. We can go into the next set of fixtures with a bit of confidence and a bit of belief and see where that takes us.”   Tigers scored three tries in the first half to take a 22-3 lead in a game affected by strong winds and heavy rain. The bonus point was secured with a second try from Telusa Veainu with 12 minutes remaining and there was still time for Greg Bateman to add his first score for the club.   “We controlled it very well in the first half and were physically very good,” said Cockerill. “In the second half we were a bit inaccurate, and the wind and rain made it tough when you’re trying to play with ball in hand.   “Treviso made it hard for us, they were tackling themselves to a standstill. We had some good set-piece early in the second half and probably should have made more from that. But we kept going and we got the rewards in the end.   “It was great footwork – a bit of individual brilliance – from Telusa for the fourth try. His individual skills got us that try – that was one of the reasons we included him in the team today.   “Our attitude in defence not to let them in, even when we were well ahead, said a lot for the team. The boys responded well after conceding three tries against Stade Francais.   “It’s a tough place to come and we’ve taken the full five points. The other two sides in the pool still have to come here.”   Tigers' remaining fixtures in the pool are against Munster home and away, Treviso at home and against AStade Francais in Paris. The next home fixture is against Munster on Sunday, December 20 (5.15pm). Tickets are available now. Book at the Tigers ticket office at Welford, phone 0116 319 8888 or click here to book online.