The battle of the tigers gives positive cuts

It's not often a coach who can claim to be proud of his players after the loss, but Brett Deacon said the score against the Northampton Saints on Saturday was "very tough" with a formation of young Tigers from Leicester.

The Tigers kicked off their debut with five players – including three 18-year olds – in the final match of the Premiership Rugby Pools. They also performed well. Three tries in the last six minutes gave the brand a one-sided look. Scoreline.

"It's very hard," said Deacon, who led the coaching team during the weeks of the cup after Saints got first place in his group with a 47-20 win at the Franklin & # 39; s Gardens.

"We wanted a performance, we had a very good week of preparation to give us real positives in the game. For 75 minutes we were in it.

"The guys are empty, which is a good sign as a group of players who really care about winning him for Leicester Tigers."

A try by Fred Tuilagi allowed the Tigers to get off to a good start before the Saints scored three goals in halftime playtime and got their bonus point in 46 minutes against South African international Heinrich Brussouw 26-10.

Tigers, however, gained ground in the match thanks to Joe Ford's breakaway test and the gap was only six points before Saints moved away thanks to three other goals scored in the last six minutes.

"They were much stronger in experience and quality, but you can not beat us for 70 to 75 minutes," said Deacon. "When the team was announced, the state of mind was to succeed in seizing the opportunity to come here and fight. For 75 minutes, we had the opportunity to do it.

"We came back in the game when we narrowed the gap to six points, and then we had an opportunity just outside their 22nd goal, but we did not escape when they defended it. They managed the other end and scored.

"You do not want to chase the game too soon, but after six minutes you have to chase it away, and you also have to start those guys who are well prepared and who deserve to have that experience of participating in an 18-foot derby. years, which is brilliant for them.

"I'm so proud of some of the boys. I congratulated the group after the match, but I said that I could not accept the last six minutes. "