Leicester scrum-half Ben Youngs says Saracens hooker Schalk Brits played like "man possessed" during the Aviva Premiership final.
Leicester scrum-half says Sarries hooker made the difference
Leicester scrum-half Ben Youngs says Saracens hooker Schalk Brits played like "a man possessed" during the Aviva Premiership final on Saturday.
The Tigers' bid for a third straight title fell short at Twickenham as Sarries claimed a 22-18 triumph, with Brits being given the man of the match award.
The South African was a central figure in both defence and attack and created the only try of the match for wing James Short.
And Youngs was quick to acknowledge the part Brits played in Leicester's defeat, claiming the former Stormers player was the difference between the two sides.
"Schalk Brits was just phenomenal, a man possessed. If anything, he was probably the difference between the two sides," he said.
"Saracens fully deserved the win. They dominated us in the first half, taking their points, and we couldn't get the ball.
"We had no territory in that first 40 minutes, but we were still in the game at half-time. We just had to get hold of the ball and we got back on track, but I thought their defence was outstanding."
Yellow card
Youngs was shown the yellow card with just five minutes gone for illegally halting a Saracens attack and had no qualms with his sin-binning.
The England international added: "The referee is the boss. I have got a lot of respect for Wayne Barnes, he is a very good referee.
"I have no complaints. Whatever he decides, that goes. Whether I think it's right or wrong, it doesn't make a difference. He's the boss."
Meanwhile, Tigers rugby director Richard Cockerill was left frustrated by the kicking of Toby Flood, who scored all of Leicester's points but missed two penalties in the third quarter.
Although Cockerill refused to blame Flood for the defeat, he raised concerns over his strike rate since working with England kicking coach Dave Alred last autumn.
"Floody went to England with a certain percentage and came back with a different one," Cockerill said.
"He is not responsible for the result (against Saracens), but that whole issue with his kicking has been an issue since the autumn. We will see how it pans out after the World Cup.
"We are disappointed to lose, but we have to congratulate Saracens. They played well."
