Michael Cheika: Leicester Tigers’ ‘imperfections’ don’t concern coach as club ‘in the mix’ for Premiership
Leicester Tigers head coach Michael Cheika.
Leicester Tigers head coach Michael Cheika couldn’t hide his delight after his team’s 28-15 bonus-point triumph over Exeter Chiefs and hailed their fight and physicality.
The result was a momentous one for the Tigers as it ended their winless streak – following losses to Sale Sharks and Bristol Bears as well as a draw with Harlequins – and they move up to fourth position in the standings.
Tries from Ben Youngs, Olly Cracknell, Cameron Henderson and Ollie Hassell-Collins – which were all converted by Handre Pollard – got the job done for Leicester at Welford Road and Cheika praised his players’ efforts after the match.
“We asked for more physicality this week and barring that period after half time, I thought we played the game with good physicality,” he explained.
Happy with the ‘fundamentals’
“I felt that those fundamentals, our intensity, the way we chased kicks, transition, those were, and we had some good moments too, enough to score some tries.”
The home side made a solid start and held a 14-3 lead at half-time but the Chiefs took the lead at the start of the final quarter after Tom Wyatt crossed for two well-taken tries.
“I think, as all year, Exeter have really been gritty. They’ve been close in a lot of games,” added Cheika.
“(For Tigers) Imperfections there, yes but that’s good and it’s something for us to work on next week.
“We’re always trying to build and develop, and it’s about the team understanding when those moments are there to bring quality, and others when you need to think about the big picture and play what’s in front of you.
“I thought we did that really well in the back quarter of the game.”
Not looking too far ahead
Despite occupying one of the Premiership‘s play-off positions, Cheika revealed that his side will not look too far ahead with big games in both the league and Champions Cup to come this month.
“We’re in the mix, we’re up there and competing. That’s where you want to be,” he said.
“I want the fans to enjoy the back half of the season with us competing and in the mix, pushing for a spot in the finals, doing our best to try and get a home semi-final is what we really want to try and do.
“There’s a way to go to get there but I feel like the building blocks are in place and the lads have got the will and ability to get there.”
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