Steve Borthwick says the spirit of his Leicester Tigers players is what helped secure a bonus-point win over Worcester Warriors in the side’s return to Mattioli Woods Welford Road after a month on the road.
Leicester scored five tries, of which one was a penalty try earned by the Tigers pack, in the 36-16 victory in front of more than 17,000 fans at home on Saturday afternoon.
Speaking after the match, Borthwick was in high praise of his squad.
“I’m very pleased for the players to get the result today,” he said.
“They earned the victory and deserve to enjoy it this evening, as they are now in the changing room.”
However, while pleased, the Tigers head coach admitted there were momentary lapses of which you cannot afford in a competition like the Gallagher Premiership.
“While we had plenty of positives, I thought there was moments today where we let our concentration slip,” said Borthwick.
“In this competition, where anyone can beat anyone, you must keep pressure on your opposition and - at times today - we were guilty of not doing that.
“It’s important that for the full 80 minutes, we are working hard to keep the intensity high.”
During the final minutes of the Round 15 fixture, during successive phases of defence on their own line, Tigers were shown two yellow cards and forced into holding out a Warriors side searching for a last-minute score to cut the deficit from twenty.
But, even with just thirteen men in the line, it was a spirited Leicester effort that ensured the visitors did not cross according to the Leicester boss.
“What was pleasing today was when we were placed under pressure, especially in those final minutes where we are down two men in defence, the spirit and heart of this playing group was what stood up,” Borthwick said.
“They fight for one another, they fight for everything and it is pleasing to see that intent and that level of commitment to each other out there.”
For a second successive week, Tigers have just six days in between matches with Northampton Saints up next at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.
“As I said, we enjoy it this evening, but already the focus switches to Saints next Friday night back here at home,” added Borthwick.
“We will look at the game over the next few days, review it together on Monday morning and then immediately preparation begins for the next challenge.”
Looking ahead to the second East Midlands Derby Day of the 21/22 campaign, after the Round 7 meeting in Northampton earlier this season, Borthwick said: “It will be a big game against what is a very good attacking side in Northampton Saints.
“That will be the challenge for us, a big defensive challenge against a team who want to attack and can create from anywhere on the pitch.”
With the Breedon Terrace already sold out for the Friday night showdown with Saints, Borthwick is expecting another passionate crowd in the stands - and looking forward to seeing the Tigers faithful turn up and play their part.
“I have no doubt we will see a big crowd here next Friday night, who are behind the boys from start to finish,” he said.
“After almost five weeks away from home, it was fantastic for the players to get the reception and support they did today and I look forward to seeing everyone and maybe more here against on Friday.”
Leicester Tigers welcome Northampton Saints to Mattioli Woods Welford Road in Round 16 of the 21/22 Gallagher Premiership season on Friday, November 11 (Kick-Off: 7.45pm).
