Scores were level at half-time with both sides kicking two penalties, but a penalty try just two minutes into the second period was followed by tries from Anthony Allen, Brett Deacon, Toby Flood and Lewis Moody as Tigers claimed a 39-6 victory at Welford Road and returned to the top four in the Guinness Premiership.
Backs coach O’Connor felt the foundations had been laid in the positive attitude and hard work in the opening 40 minutes.
“I thought we played quite well in the first half, we were quite happy at half-time because we were confident we could go on from there. We were a little bit inaccurate at the breakdown and in the 'A' zone and that cost us in the first half,” said O’Connor, in charge of the team on matchday as head coach Richard Cockerill began a four-game ban.
“It was a bit frustrating in the first half because we probably blew a couple of chances but they also defended well.
"But it told the story later in the game. With the pressure we put on them and the tackles they had to make in the first half, we got the pay for that in the end.
“We always want to play a good game at Welford Road and we went out to play. Credit to the boys for starting with that intent and carrying it through all the way.
“At half-time we just said we wanted to continue doing what we had done but to do them a little bit better. The first score came early in the second half and confidence lifted from there.
“It was really pleasing in the second half that we played with that intensity from the start.”
England flanker Moody was an inspirational form as another all-action display included a break for the Allen try and then a solo run for the line to clinch his own score with eight minutes remaining.
“He had his 10 minutes [in the sin bin] in the first half but he made up for it in the second half,” said O’Connor. “His energy, enthusiasm and workrate were enormous.”
