Steve Borthwick says he and his Leicester Tigers players must learn the lessons from the seven-point, 34-27 away defeat to Saracens on Saturday afternoon.

Speaking after the Round 19 fixture of this season’s Gallagher Premiership, Borthwick praised the “class” and “experience” of Saracens in his analysis of the match.

“I thought it was two good teams who fought out a tough game in tough conditions,” said Borthwick.

“They were deserving winners today and showed their class and experience … you can see why they have been at the top of this league for a long-time now.”

The Tigers boss admitted the opportunities were there for his side, but a lack of accuracy in key areas saw them fall short.

“We had plenty of chances which we could have taken,” he said.

“There is a lot to learn from today and we must take away those lessons, learn quickly and be better.”

With their place atop the Premiership table safe before kick-off, and a front-row and back-row averaging just 21 years of age between them up against a near all international Saracens outfit, Borthwick was asked whether his side could afford a loss.

However, the Leicester Head Coach said neither league position nor losing were and are ever a discussion topic at Tigers.

“We want to win every game, that is never any different,” replied Borthwick.

“Of course we know that it may not be the case but our desire is always to win, without question.

“There is no conversation about league points or positions on the ladder, that’s not what we are about

“What we endeavour to do, no matter the result, is deliver a performance that Leicester Tigers fans are proud of and I think today the hundreds of fans who made the trip down in this weather, would be proud of the players.”

Watch interviews with George Martin and James Whitcombe on LTTV following the seven-point defeat.