Leicester Tigers got off to a winning start in the European Challenge Cup with a 39-17 bonus-point victory over Brive at Mattioli Woods Welford Road on Friday evening.
Tries from Tom and Ben Youngs in each half set the platform in a game largely dominated by the kickers, with fly-halves Joaquin Diaz Bonilla and Enzo Herve trading early penalties before the Tigers captain provided the opening try on the way to a 14-6 lead at the break.
The pattern continued after half-time, with replacement George Ford adding more penalties to the Tigers total before fellow England international Ben Youngs ran in the second try with quarter of an hour remaining.
The visitors supplied fresh hope with a try on 70 minutes but late scores from Cyle Brink and then Nemani Nadolo gave Tigers the perfect start.
Brive had triumphed in the only previous meeting of the teams, in the 1997 European Cup Final, and were making their debut at Mattioli Woods Welford Road in its first-ever European fixture played behind closed doors.
Argentina international Matias Moroni made his Tigers debut at centre, with prop Luan de Bruin named on the bench after his arrival from South Africa. Head coach Steve Borthwick also welcomed back wings Nemani Nadolo and Kini Murimurivalu, and recalled Tomas Lavanini in the second row for his first appearance since last season’s semi-final.
Making their first-ever visit to Leicester, Brive included Tigers academy graduate Wesley Douglas in their line-up after making 12 changes to the starting line-up from last week’s win over Agen in the Top14.
Referee Nika Amashukeli from Georgia was coincidentally also in charge at Tigers in the opening round in Europe last season, got the game started on a still but damp and cold December evening.
Just over a minute had been played when Brive were penalised on the floor on their own 10-metre line and fly-half Joaquin Diaz Bonilla provided the opening points of the evening from the tee.
After enjoying possession in the Tigers half, Brive levelled the scores when the whistle went for offside in chasing a Ben White clearing kick and fly-half Enzo Herve added the penalty.
Freddie Steward and then Kini Murimurivalu were equal to towering kicks into Tigers territory, though spilled ball gave the visitors scrum ball in an advanced position and they remained in the Tigers half until another penalty gave Herve the chance to kick his team into a 6-3 lead on 18 minutes.
The whistle continued to interrupt the game’s flow, but Lavanini was able to block a clearing kick as the visitors were forced into an early change when centre Sevenaia Galala left the field.
When Tigers eventually built some phases of play through the forwards, the French defended well until giving away a cheap penalty in chasing a clearing kick from an offside position and Bonilla made it 6-6 with his kick.
A big scrum from Tigers earned a penalty 30 metres out and when they opted for the right-hand corner, it was skipper Youngs who steered the maul forward and then broke down the touchline to score. Bonilla’s kick from the touchline drew into the far post but hit the top of the crossbar and bounced out with his team 11-6 in front.
When prop Joe Heyes made a big tackle on halfway to put Brive under pressure, Tigers quickly had the advantage of a penalty after promising carries from Jasper Wiese and Jordan Taufua, and this time Bonilla kicked the points for a 14-6 lead just short of half-time.
Persistence at the breakdown from Nephi Leatigaga won an early penalty at the restart but Tigers were unable to build on that as ball was lost in midfield and an error at a defensive lineout gave Herve another sight of the posts and his kick cut the gap to five points.
Tryscorer Youngs and Leatigaga made way as Charlie Clare and Genge joined the front row on 48 minutes and Ford soon joined them on the field, quickly feeding Wiese for a powerful run through the middle and the England fly-half added a penalty on 50 minutes to take the lead to 17-9.
Tigers survived a scare when Ford then had a clearing kick charged down in front of his own posts, only to hear the referee’s whistle for a Brive knock-on in the previous phase of play.
But the scrum only led to a Brive penalty and Herve kicked his fourth three-pointer to chip away at the Tigers lead again.
A flare-up following a hit on Ben Youngs at the base of the ruck soon after his appearance for the bench led to words to both captains from the referee and when play restart with a scrum, the whistle went in favour of Tigers but Ford’s kick drifted pas t the right-hand post.
Another scrum brought another penalty and this time Ford made sure as he took the lead to 20-12, though alarm bells rang at the other end when hooker Badri Alkhazashvili latched on to break but then slipped 20 metres out.
Tigers had to work hard for their exit and prop de Bruin appeared for his debut after Ford had taken play up to halfway with his clearing kick, and a second try followed from an incisive break down the right.
Hanro Liebenberg and Morono combined and Youngs arrived to run into the corner and make it 25-12, though Ford was off-target with the conversion attempt.
Just two minutes later, Brive latched on to loose ball in the Tigers half to put Douglas in to score in the right-hand corner against his former club but Herve added the extras as the gap stood at eight points with just under 10 minutes left to play.
A big scrum brought a Tigers penalty which Ford kicked into the left-hand corner and, although the opportunity was missed, an even bigger push on Brive put-in brought another whistle and a referee warning.
But rather than kick, Tigers gave Genge a run at the line, recycled and Cyle Brink forced his way to the line. Ford added the conversion with Tigers 32-17 in front.
And a minute later Nadolo got in on the act, latching on to a Youngs break to slide in on the left and provide the bonus-point score. Ford ended the evening with an immaculate touchline conversion.
Commentary
TIGERS WIN IN EUROPE
Tigers claim a their first win in Europe seeing off a late Brive revival to win 39 points to 17 at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.
FORD SEES OUT GAME WITH SUCCESSFUL KICK
George Ford kicks for the games final action as Tigers win 39-17.
QUICK FIRE SCORE
Nemani Nadolo is there to score on his return following a burst of pace as Brive look to stretch the game in the final moments.
FORD ADDS THE EXTRAS
George Ford slips on the run up but his kicks still makes it as Tigers lead extends further.
TRY FOR BRINK
Cyle Brink is at the bottom of a pile up and claims his first try in Tigers colours.
77
TIGERS SCRUM
Tigers with the advantage from the scrum and win a huge penalty as the it collapses and Tigers can slow down the clock.
A quick tap and go, and Tigers advance over the line, and make Brive pay. TRY.
75
BOTH TEAMS PUSH IN CLOSING 10
Both teams are looking to gain territory in the closing 10 miniutes and Tigers win the penalty, opting for the scrum which works in their favour. Ford kicks for touch and Tigers with the chance to apply pressure on the Brive five metre line.
TRY FOR BRIVE
Brive have a try as Freddie Steward can't collect the high ball, it's a penalty advantage and Wesley Douglas goes over against his old side. Tigers 25-17 Brive.
66
FORD MISSES CONVERSION
A tight angle for George Ford sees the scores remain at 25 points to 12.
A YOUNGS DOUBLE, AS BEN GOES OVER
Ben Youngs does as brother Tom, and goes over in the corner. He's the man on the end of a great phases of play. Tigers 25-12 Brive,
64
BRIVE KICKING FOR TERRITORY
Brive's Herve receives the ball from the line-out and kicks high but Tigers collect. The play moves back towards the Brive tryline, but they can kick clear.
Lavanini with the ball in hand, and Ben Youngs finds Liebenberg who feeds Kini Murimurivalu, some great overlapping play sees Ben Youngs go over. for Tigers.
63
SCRUM ON SCRUM ON
It's another scrum as both packs hold their nerve following the restart. Brive escape out of the back and a chance ro mobe ballin hand, Fa'aso'o moves forward with ball and finds a teammate, but a tap tackle brings him down in the Tigers half.
Btrive still have the ball, but a failed nudge, sees Youngs collect and slow down the game, A box kick follows, and just escapes Nadolo. Brive still in possession and move through the backline before a knock-on advantage sees Tigers come away.
FORD MAKES NO MISTAKE FROM TEE
Having missed his second, Ford makes amends for Tigers and Brive are penalised for collapsing the scrum. Tigers 20-12 Brive.
58
FORD MISSES FROM TEE
George Ford kicks for the posts but misses following a penalty advantage for Tigers from the scrum.
Brive will restart with Herve and Steward returns the kick for Tigers. It's a bit of foot tennis but Nadolo comes away with the ball and Fordy tries to find touch. The ball is returned and he tries the high ball this time, but the ref spots a knock-on.
It's a scrum.
55
GAME UPS A NOTCH
The pace of the game has upped a notch as Brive sense an opportunity to get at the Tigers back line. After going through the phases, George Ford kicks for touch but it is held up.
The ball returns, and as we go through the phases a tussle breaks out. The ref will stop the play and speak to the captains.
TIGERS CONCEDE PENALTY KICK
With Brive on the attack, the Tigers defence can't hold their line and concede the penalty as Herve kicks from the tee.
FORDY ON TARGET FOR TIGERS
Ford has an immediate impact after coming on from the tee, as he extends Tigers lead by three points. Tigers 17-9 Brive.
FORD , GENGE CLARE COME ON FOR TIGERS
George Ford, Ellis Genge and Charlie Clare have come on for Bonilla, Leatigaga and Youngs in the second half.
47
BRIVE LOOK TO CAPITALISE
Those points have riled up the Brive attack and they come back at Tigers, but Ben White can sweep up and kick clear. We'll wait for the line-out as the Brive player receives treatment.
PENALTY KICKED FOR BRIVE
Herve kicks cleanly through the posts and Brive claw some points back as the Tigers lead narrows. Tigers 14-9 Brive.
44
SCRUM COUNT ADDS UP
It's a game for the forwards as the scrum count picks up but it's the Brive pack who come out on top on this occasion.
Herve kicks for touch and and replacement Enzo Jouannet throws in. Quick hands but the referee spots and infringement and even though Brive go over the line, we'll go back for the penalty advantage.
42
EARLY PRESSURE FOR TIGERS
Bonilla kicks the ball into touch and Tigers win the line-out, White finds Bonilla who picks out Moroni but he can't collect cleanly and we'll stop for a scrum from the knock-on.
40
SECOND HALF UNDERWAY
We're back for the second half of Tigers versus Brive in the European Challenge Cup.
HALF-TIME | TIGERS 14-6 BRIVE
Tigers on top in their first European game of the season with three kicks from Bonilla and a Tom Youngs try.
39
TIGERS LOOKING TO SEE OUT HALF
Tigers having to defend in the closing stages of the first half and are relieved of a final brive push with Ben White box-kicking clear after Freddie Steward collects from up high.
We'll finish on a scrum as the clock hits 40.
TIGERS EXTEND LEAD
Bonilla extends Tigers lead from the tee after some huge pressure with the ball in hand. Tigers 14-6 Brive.
37
BONILLA WITH THE PENALTY...
Brive manage to force Tigers back, but the referee pulls play back to the Brive five metre mark whilst the medics do their job.
Bonilla has the chance to add to his tally as we approach the final few minutes.
36
MOMENTUM WITH TIGERS
The game is with Tigers now as their ball carriers gain yards in the Brive half. The pressure forces the opposition back, but the loose ball is retrieved and Delarue kicks clear.
Ball in hand as Ben White finds Jasper Wiese, with the next phase finding Liebenberg as Tigers make the small yards.
34
BONILLA MISSES CONVERSION
Bonilla misses the conversion from a tight angle right by the touch line as Tigers have some breathing space
ROLLING MAUL ROLLS ON
Tigers take the game to Brive after the line-out and it's Tom Youngs who can break free and flies over the line in the right-hand corner.
31
TIGERS SCRUM WORKING HARD
The kick-chase tactic works in Tigers favour who win the knock-on and we'll have a scrum in the Brive half.
The heat rises from both packs, as Ben White feeds in the ball and the referee spots another penalty. We'll have another scrum
Tigers force another penalty and Bonilla opts to find the right-hand corner.
31
TIGERS SCRUM WORKING HARD
The kick-chase tactic works in Tigers favour who win the knock-on and we'll have a scrum in the Brive half.
The heat rises from both packs, as Ben White feeds in the ball and the referee spots another penalty. We'll have another scrum
Tigers force another penalty and Bonilla opts to find the right-hand corner.
28
The lineout in front of the dugouts gives Brive the chance to break and they force Tigers back into their own 22. But Joe Heyes is their to force the penalty, and a chance for Bonilla to find touch.
26
LOOSE PLAY CREATES SPACE
Some loose play and a procession of kicks results in Tigers regaining possession in the Brive half. It finds touch and Brive have the lineout.
The roling maul is held up by the Tigers pack and David Delarue is forced to kick.
Tigers come back at them, but concede the penalty for some over eagerness in the breakdown.
SCORES LEVEL AGAIN
Bonilla lines up and kicks the points as the scores are levelled once again. Tigers pressure has paid off. Tigers 6-6 Brive.
23
CHANCE FROM THE POSTS
Bonilla will kick for the posts from just under 40 metres and a chance to level the scores once again in the game...
22
TIGERS UP PRESSURE
Skipper Tom Youngs throughs from the line-out on the Brive right flank and Harry Wells collects it. Some quick hands move the ball forward and a chance for Tigers ball carriers to break forward.
Massive meetings made as Murimurivalu surges down the left. But Brive hold string, and the penalty is givem away to Brive, who kick clear.
20
TIGERS KICKING FOR TERRITORY
The ball comes back at Tigers following the restart and after a cheeky nudge, Nadolo collects to find Steward who kicks hgh.
The tactic works and Tigers have a line-out after forcing the error. A chance for both teams to take a breath.
BRIVE TAKE THE LEAD
Enzo Herve gives Brive the lead for the first time in the game, as Tigers soak up the pressure in these early stages. Tigers 3-6 Brive.
16
BALL STAYS IN TIGERS HALF
Tigers are on the back foot again, as Brive look to barrel through the gain line. Some how Tigers take the hits, and Taufua's hard work is penalised and a chance for Brive to take the lead from the tee.
15
BIG SCRUM IN TIGERS HALF
The big packs face off in the game's first scrum and after a reset, Brive with the penalty and will once again go for the scrum.
It's going to be one of those games.
12
GAME ON
Both teams are up for this!
Both sets of teams have big ball carriers with the Brive back row looking to get ball in hand when they can.
With possession going back and forth, Tigers are once again put under pressure and the result is the first scrum.
BRIVE GAIN FIRST POINTS
Herve sucessfully kicks the penalty and the scores are even once again as we reach the 10 minute mark. Tigers 3-3 Brive.
8
TIGERS WIN LINE-OUT
Harry Wells wins the line-out and Tigers form the maul and look to gain yards. Ben White collects from the breakdown and kicks, but the referee spots an infringement and it's a penalty to Brive.
Enzo Herve will kick for the posts...
7
BALL IN TIGERS HALF
Brive keep the pressure on as Tigers look to defend their line on the 22. The Brive backline are looking to stretch Tigers at every opportunity, but they force the line out on the left flank.
5
BRIVE COME AT TIGERS
Brive come back at Tigers following the restart with both packs flying into the breakdown at every opportunity.
The result is a penalty to Brive who opt to kick for the corner, winning the line-out and and try to kick for the corner but Ben White is there to clear up.
BONILLA CONVERTS FOR LEAD
Bonilla kicks high and it falls between the posts to give Tigers the lead after two minutes of play.
0
FIRST PENALTY FOR TIGERS
After an exchange of possesion, it's Tigers who have the advanatge with Boniila opting to kick for the posts in the early minutes.
TIGERS KICK-OFF EUROPEAN CAMPAIGN
We're underway here at Mattioli Woods Welford Road as Bonilla kicks things off with Tigers attacking the Mattioli Woods Stand end.
15 to go until KO
Both teams are running through their final preparations on a cold night in Leicester.
Ahead of the match, head coach Steve Borthwick spoke to LTTV to share his thoughts on the European opener.
HOW BRIVE LINE UP
TIGERS LINE-UP
It's a first start for Matias Moroni who comes in at 13 in a back line that also welcomes back internationals Nemani Nadolo and Kini Murimurivalu.
Tamas Lavanini and Jordan Taufua make their first starts following their return from injnury.
0
LAST YEAR'S SEMI-FINALISTS
Tigers reached the semi-final of last year's competition missing out on a place in the final to another French side, Toulon.
In what was their maiden voyage in the competition, head coach Steve Borthwick will be aiming to go make a winning start to this season's campaign.
0
MATCHDAY LIVE - CHALLENGE CUP COMMENTARY
Welcome to Matchday Live for live real-time commentary of Leicester Tigers first match of this season's European Challenge Cup.
Brive are the opponents tonight. A fixture more than 23 years in the making following their last encounter back in 1997.
With half an hour until kick-off, we'll bring you all the latest right here.