Leicester Tigers head coach, Michael Cheika has reacted to his side's 29-26 victory against Gloucester Rugby at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.

Tigers had to dig deep at times to come away with the victory, especially after conceding three tries in the first period. 

Asked if there was a strong message from the coaches at the break, Cheika said:

"You have to be honest with the players at half-time, about where they are in the game and what we're seeing up above."

"You're never handed anything in this game and the response after half-time was excellent. We probably didn't kick on the way we wanted to but it's not easy in games like that.

"They showed good character to come through there in a bit of adversity."

Tigers head into another stiff challenge away to Saracens to close out the first block of Gallagher Premiership fixtures, with four wins from five games. Cheika was adamant the team were still adding to their game. 

"Obviously, we're still building," Cheika said. 

"We've made big changes in the way we're playing and where it can come and go is where you have a habit of playing a certain way, and when the heat comes on it's natural to fall back into that way, especially early on in the process. 

"It's nothing serious. I like that we've been in a few situations this season and found a way to fix things and win the game."

Cheika reflected on the team reclaiming The Slater Cup, and the great scenes at full-time as both teams came together for a photo.

"It's the power of sport, isn't it," Cheika said. 

"The way the teams came together there at the end, it's powerful and listening to guys this week, winning today, taking the cup, it was important and clearly Ed's someone who has so much respect from both clubs."