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

We need to bounce back says O'Connor

Matt O’Connor says Leicester Tigers need to show a reaction to defeat in the opening two rounds of the season when they host Gloucester Rugby at Welford Road on Saturday.

Tigers were beaten 24-11 at Northampton Saints on Saturday, leaving O’Connor looking for a first win as the squad prepares for the Round 3 meeting with Gloucester.

“It’s a bit of a reality check for us and we have to make sure we get a response at Welford Road next week,” said O’Connor.

“We struggled to get over the gainline [against Saints]. We knew they would come hard at us, they were hard off the line in defence and at the first breakdown, and they made momentum difficult.

“We didn’t adjust as well as we should have and did not get momentum we needed. That put us on the back foot and they managed field position and managed the collisions.

“At the big moments we were certainly second and they had the scoreboard pressure and got the result.”

O’Connor said Tigers were unable to create momentum and find the opportunities to open up the Saints defence.

“You have got to get a platform at the set-piece, get over the gainline and build momentum from there,” he said. “If you don’t, it doesn’t matter what else you have because you don’t win games like that.

“Now we’ve got another home game and another opportunity to fix those the wrongs.”

Tigers versus Gloucester is a 3.00pm kick-off and tickets are available now. Book in person at Welford Road, phone 0116 319 8888 (option 2)(open 9.00am-5.00pm Monday-Saturday every week) or book online.