Steve Borthwick was in high praise for the Leicester Tigers on and off the pitch following his side’s bonus-point victory over Gloucester Rugby at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.
Speaking immediately after the final whistle, the Tigers boss was quizzed on his reaction to the 35-23 win and went straight to those in the stands before discussing his players’ on-field performance.
“Firstly, I want to mention the 20,000 fans here who were behind the players from kick-off today,” he said.
“Again, for the third or fourth time, we see a near sell-out and then you consider it is on a Six Nations weekend, we are just so privileged to have the following we do and the supporters we do at Leicester Tigers.
“I hope Leicester Tigers fans leave Mattioli Woods Welford Road today proud of their team and proud of the performance they put in.”
Looking back on the match, he was also complimentary of today’s visitors.
“Gloucester are a brilliant side, packed with talent and I thought they really stretched us today,” said Borthwick.
“They are a very smart team and it was a big challenge today for us and I was proud of the way the players stayed in the fight until the final whistle.
“We knew we would have to be close to our best to come away with a positive result at home this afternoon.”
Despite being pleased with his players, Borthwick admitted - at times - it was not good enough.
“But, I think we made too many errors today and will need to ensure we are much better in that area next weekend against the best side in the league in Saracens,” added Borthwick.
Asked about where he thought the game was won, he stopped short of saying it was a lone moment but did pinpoint a period in the game he was most pleased with from his squad.
“It is hard to analyse too much, too soon after a game but there was that period after half-time where I thought the players played some really sensible, good rugby today” he said.
“But, we need to ensure we are delivering that level of performance from start to finish and there is a lot from today we take away and learn from to improve next week.”
Tigers travel to Saracens in Round 19, up against a second successive side coming off a rest weekend in the Gallagher Premiership and Borthwick knows all too well the challenge awaiting Leicester in London.
“The players deserve to enjoy this win, which they worked hard for and I am pleased for them,” he said.
“But, as with every week, the focus switches immediately to the next game, the next challenge and it is a big challenge.
“Saracens away is just that, a big challenge.”
