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We must build from Pau performance, says Reid

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Leicester Tigers centre Noel Reid insists the side must build on their impressive Euro win over the coming weeks.

The 29-year-old wore the No12 shirt for the first time in his Leicester career in Saturday’s opening European Challenge Cup match, as Tigers put five tries past Pau at Welford Road.

But backing up the first-round win with a performance at Cardiff this Saturday (November 23, 8.00pm) – before a return to the Gallagher Premiership at Northampton – will be essential, according to Reid.

“We can’t afford to win one game and then lose a couple after that – we’re trying to build momentum,” he explained.

“We had a good week’s training, and it was nice to do what we did in training on the weekend in a game, as that’s something we haven’t necessarily done so far this year.”

Reid also singled out the club’s returning Rugby World Cup stars, with the Ireland international shifting outside fly-half George Ford in their first game together.

He continued: “It was good to get some fresh faces back in [at Oval Park]. The England players have really lifted the energy of the group.

“They all showed their quality against Pau, so we’re delighted. I think it brings the level up for everyone when those boys come back – it’s brilliant.”

And Geordan Murphy’s men started as they meant to go on against their French visitors, with two quick-fire tries in the opening quarter of the game; something Reid suggested had been lacking in recent weeks.

“I thought our mindset from the off showed how we wanted to play the game,” he added.

“We didn’t try and overcomplicate things. Our set-piece was really good, which helped our backs get into the game, and Jonah got over for four tries – I threw him a bad pass, otherwise it could have been five – but it was brilliant.

“When we had opportunities, I thought we were really good at taking them.”

The side now travel to Cardiff Arms Park for a second round of European action, before a return to domestic duties next Saturday (November 30, 3.00pm).

Reid said that the win could serve as a blueprint for the games to come.

“If we can put in those sort of performances week in, week out, it’s going to put us in good stead for the Premiership,” he continued.

“We’ve obviously got Cardiff next week, and if we can get a good performance like that, it’ll give us some momentum going back into the league.

“We’re taking this competition seriously as it leads into our next Premiership block. If we can perform well in this competition, then we’ll perform well in the Premiership, as well.”

Secure your place at Welford Road for seven all-important league games with a Tigers half-season ticket, starting from just £120 for adults and £45 for junior supporters.