O’Connor full of praise for Burns

Leicester Tigers head coach Matt O’Connor paid tribute to Freddie Burns after the fly-half inspired his side to a 41-18 victory over Sale Sharks on what was his final appearance at Welford Road.

Burns claimed 19 points, including the first of the Tigers’ five tries, and was given a standing ovation by the home fans in appreciation of his efforts.

The 26-year-old will be joining Bath next season and his performance went a long way to ensuring that Leicester will finish above them in qualifying for the Premiership semi-finals.

“He can play, he’s a good lad. He has been good for the group. He works hard and he has been a fantastic character to have around,” O’Connor told the Premiership’s official website.

“Tigers in the semi-final? There will be some clubs looking over their shoulders.

“Fair credit to the lads, they have worked hard to nail that detail and it was really pleasing to hear the crowd almost happy again.

“We misfired a bit in the first half and we were a bit slow in the second half to get going, but I am pleased with the result.”

The bonus-point win against Sale Sharks lifted Leicester nine points ahead of fifth-placed Bath, who must beat West Country rivals Gloucester today to stay in the semi-final hunt.

After coming through some indifferent form earlier season, it is looking odds on that the Tigers will qualify for the semi-finals for the 13th successive year.

Sale made the most of a slow start by their hosts and led 10-3 after 22 minutes, following Rob Webber’s pushover try and they had several chances to cross the try line again over the course of the afternoon.

The Sharks stuck to their guns as they pulled a score back late on through Bryn Evans, but by then it was too little too late for a side that have struggled away from home during the campaign.

Sharks director of rugby Steve Diamond said: “It was a reflection of our season. We are good in parts and then we undo ourselves.

“We built the first 25-30 minutes and we were taking line-out off them and then we gave the ball away. It was a bit disappointing really.

“After the first 10 or 15 minutes of the second half we could not get in the game. They were more physical and they were dominant around the tackle area.

“They tackled people past the ruck and didn’t get pulled for it, which is what they are good at.”