Steve Borthwick admitted that execution in attack must improve when speaking after the side’s 10-point, 20-10 victory over Wasps at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.
The Leicester Tigers Head Coach said he was proud of the fight on show from his players against an experienced Wasps outfit in the final round of the Gallagher Premiership regular season.
“I thought we created a lot of opportunities today, but we didn’t take enough of them,” said Borthwick.
“When you create those chances, you have got to take them and it’s something that we will address next week and find ways to be better at.
While addressing the work-ons for his group, Borthwick was quick to point out the positives from the win.
“I was most delighted that not only did they find a way to win the game but the way in which they did,” he said.
“The players fought really hard, fought for each other until the very end to get the win.”
Asked about the opponents, who defeated Tigers earlier in the season in Coventry, Borthwick was in high praise for a Wasps squad who have gone from strength to strength throughout the 21/22 campaign.
“As we said in the build-up to today’s game, Wasps are a very good side,” said the Tigers boss.
“Against that quality and experience of which they have, you will never have the entire game on your terms.
“They put us under pressure but I thought we also placed our defence under stress at times with our own mistakes and we will need to be better in that area.
“I am fortunate to have tough characters in this team, who will fight and will not go away; they earned the win today. I am very proud of them for that.”
The victory secured top-spot on this season’s league table, a first for Leicester in more than a decade, and sets up a semi-final showdown with East Midlands rivals Northampton Saints next weekend at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.
However, while the focus will switch immediately to preparing for to take on Saints for the coaches, the Tigers boss was adamant he wanted his players and the club’s fans to enjoy being back in the ‘big games’ again.
“It is exciting, yes, but what’s most important is that these supporters have a team they can be proud of, who work exceptionally hard for them,” Borthwick said.
“We will enjoy this, the players and supporters deserve to enjoy today’s result. Everybody has worked hard to be in this position to be back competing in big games again after a long time.
“We’re back here at Mattioli Woods Welford Road in seven days and I would love to see them jumping up and down, supporting their team.
“I hope this place is packed to the rafters next Saturday.”
Tickets are selling fast for the semi-final showdown between Tigers and Saints on Saturday, June 11 at Mattioli Woods Welford Road. Secure your place HERE from £28 (adults) and £18 (juniors).
