The new Leicester coach Heyneke Meyer hailed his team's attitude and defensive desire after they opened their campaign with victory over Gloucester on Sunday. The South African coach, who guided the Blue Bulls to last year's Super 14 title, watched the Tigers grind out a 20-8 victory that was secured by late tries from full-back Geordan Murphy and fly-half Toby Flood.
The England back Flood kicked two early penalties on his debut for Leicester and claimed a late interception try which he also converted, leaving Gloucester to reflect on a dire season opener. "We knew Gloucester would come out firing and that we would have to get stuck in and show some attitude," said Meyer. "Our fitness levels showed and I was very happy with the defence. Gloucester had a lot of opportunities out wide but we defended well."
The Newcastle Falcons director of rugby Steve Bates has told his side they need to be more clinical. They lost their season opener to Sale at Kingston Park, the first time the visitors had won in the North-East in 16 attempts. "I am disappointed we didn't win as I think we were the better team," he said. "What we have to do is to learn to win in those situations. "We had three or four pretty good chances that we did not take and at this level that is the difference between losing 14-9 and winning 17-14."
* PA Sport
