I don’t normally write a blogpost about a specific games, however as the dust is still settling on an incident - filled home win against Newcastle Falcons yesterday (Sunday) afternoon, it was a game that was well suited to write one. This was a hard-fought victory, that would have left many with sore bodies as a result, and one that had many elements of good and poor play, incident, spice and moments that bordered on the farcical. In many ways, it also gave a perfect overview of where Tigers are at currently in their revolution.
Steve Borthwick’s men went into the game looking for their 7th victory of 2021 (including their Covid victory against Northampton Saints) against a side that had lost 3 in a row going into this game, however one that had been top of the table after their early-season good form. An easy game this was not, and one that promised to be a tough battle. An insight into how hard-fought it was going to be was seen even before the game kicked off, as props Ellis Genge and Jon Welsh exchanged verbals on the touchline, before being separated as it threatened to escalate. Tigers eventually went on to win the game 26-12, with tries scored from Hanro Leibenberg who again showcased his importance to this side, and Charlie Clare off the bench in the second half. The win meant Tigers ended the weekend in 7th position, 3 points behind London Irish in 6th position and 8 points off Harlequins in 4th.
There were many positives that can be taken from the win. Firstly, Tigers won. Whilst that may seem a bit obvious, wins have not been a regular feature over the last couple of seasons, which was acknowledged after the game by Borthwick and Dan Cole. So for the side to grind out an win, albeit an ugly one, is another step in the right direction for the side. Tigers may have gone into the game wanting 5 points, a view shared by myself, but they will be very happy with the 4 points gained. It was another home win, crucial in the aim of returning Welford Road back to being a fortress, and adds another win to their good form showcased whilst the internationals away. Certainly Tigers are building their reputation of a tough team to take on, certainly at Welford Road, where only 2 defeats have been conceded -to sides in the top 4, Sale and Exeter. An ugly win, are also positives to take away from the game. Not every game is going to be a classic, so to grind out the victory in a professional manner and by such a margin as to stop Falcons getting a bonus point are also factors that will please Borthwick and his team. If you can’t get a bonus point, definitely make sure your opponents do not get one – a lesson learned from the home victory against Irish last month. Tigers’ defence was also a real pleasing effort. Commitment was not in any doubt as bodies were put on the line, time and time again in stopping Falcons scoring, qualities that have not been a common feature of recent seasons at Tigers and deserved a full house to cheer them on for their efforts.
The main positive of the game was showcased in the first half through the dominance of their forward pack. Missing Argentinian internationals Montoya & Lavanini, the forwards still took Newcastle apart, winning the collisions, getting over the gainline and forcing penalties from their opponents. The Tigers’ pack for me now is possibly the up there with the best in the league, and one that pretty much all their opponents will be fearing before playing them. Their party piece rolling maul was also showcased to superb effect, as Charlie Clare rumbled over after a 15m push. To go over after a 5m line out is one thing, but to do it from distance is another, and a feature that bodes well for the future. Harry Wells enjoyed another productive afternoon and was deservedly named MOTM. For me, his performances are the main reason why a further lock forward may not be needed as part of the recruitment push. Both him and Callum Green have developed a brilliant combination and are fine examples of the work that Borthwick has brought to the club.
The first game back with the returning Internationals has previously been a minefield for Tigers, however the 3 that played yesterday slotted back in with very little issue. Genge had a solid game over his 70 minutes, with trademark strong carries and powerful defence. George Ford kicked 16 points, and hinted at some nice moments in attack as well, creating a break for Freddie Steward early on that really should have been scored. Given the platform the forwards are now providing, and the variety that Tigers are now bringing to their game, I am excited by what is to come both this year and next. Strong attack relies on timing, angles and knowing the movements of the players around you. As the team spends more time with each other, I would expect that this will really start to come good. Outside Ford, Dan Kelly on another day, could easily have been MOTM, with his dominant carries and barnstorming defence. It is hard to believe he is only 19, given how good a performance he turned in, the levels he could possibly hit show a real talent in the making. Keeping him at Tigers is going to be the biggest battle – 10 year contract anyone? Harry Potter on the wing also made a welcome return to action, and showed he is a viable option to start once everyone is fit. To me he seems to run very quickly without much effort, a quality that is quite rare I think for a winger.
However, for all the positives, Tigers will come away from the game with plenty of things to think about and work on. For all their dominance of the first half, they will have known they left points out there. A better team would have walked in at half time 30 points up, given the penalty count of Newcastle, and the strong territory the team was enjoying. As well as the Steward break that should have seen a try scored, Tigers squandered 2 good opportunities to score in that first 40 minutes, when they were 5 metres out. Both times through a lack of discipline. Tigers do many good things, but they have a habit of letting teams off the hook through not taking their chances to score. This will be something that both they and Borthwick will be looking at as a means of improvement. Both errors and indiscipline were a feature of Tigers’ play, as they came under a sustained period of pressure in the second half. Too many loose passes, or knock ons hampered their attacking structure, and the sloppy penalties conceded allowed their opponents a way back into a game they gives hope to what can be achieved as time progresses and this is worked on and improved.
The indiscipline was highlighted in star number 8 Jasper Wiese. His ball carrying and commitment to the cause is not in any doubt, as he again showed why he has been one of the best additions to the Premiership this season, however he again marked his card by taking Jon Welsh out from the side, leading to the Falcons man having to leave the field with a dislocated shoulder. He then added to this by receiving a yellow card for foul play when counter rucking. Whilst not the worst crimes in the world, it meant the team were down to 14 men for 10 minutes (going on to be 13 as well when Martin was sin-binned) it points to a wider problem Tigers could potentially suffer from. Tigers are now at risk at creating a perception of being a dirty team, and one that is refereed differently by the officials. Whilst untrue and unfair, that does not matter. Genge is already a marked man on the internet, with many trying to create a witch-hunt against him every time he steps onto the field. Lavanini is consistently refereed on reputation, including being yellow-carded for mistaken identity for the deeds of others. We do not need any more negative press against us, especially when plenty of others are very keen to highlight our wrongdoing. We have already suffered from red and yellow cards this season, we need to ensure we are better so that referees do not find an excuse to look at us differently.
Any mention of refereeing means we have to discuss Karl Dickson and his TMO’s performance yesterday. I do not want to discuss it too much, but their performance led to scenes of such high-farce, it came dangerously close to ruining the game. Inconsistent in their decision making and of how the TMO was used, missing a headshot to the head of Freddie Steward and seemingly not in control of the game, it was as bad a performance from an officiating team as you would ever see. Both teams would come away from the game shaking their head at some of the decisions made. In normal circumstances, action would be taken to try and improve either the individual or the process, currently I have zero confidence that this will happen. It happens so often now that it is probably embedded into the sport, much to its detriment. I do wonder if with a full-house, the decisions made yesterday would be repeated, but it did not create a good spectacle for the sport.
Overall Tigers gaining the victory was the most important element of their afternoon. They also showed exactly what they are, a mid-table team early on in its development. The team does an awful lot of good things, that shows how good they can be. Their challenge at the present time is that they do not do this consistently enough over the 80 minutes, which the top sides do, and undermine their own good play with moments of sloppiness that allows their opponents back into games they have no right to be in. However, given the starting point and what Borthwick inherited, this is more than acceptable at this stage. Tigers are arguably improving quicker and ahead of schedule than what they initially thought possible. Prior to the season, top 8 was a personal aim of mine, they look on course to beat that, and they remain in the hunt for a top 6 finish. I believe this is a realistic target, and one that would be a fantastic achievement and create a healthy platform and foundation to take into next season with. Especially with the improvement that is clearly visibly seen week on week, and the new signings to come. Tigers now tackle Europe and Connacht, a bit battered and bruised, but in a very good position as a club.
(The cover photo is taken from the Leicester Tigers twitter page, and is attributed to them).