Leicester coach Richard Cockerill was satisfied with a full quota of points after overcoming a frustrating first half in a 44-19 victory over Newcastle.
Tigers respond to half-time roasting to slam Falcons
Leicester coach Richard Cockerill was satisfied with a full quota of points after Tigers overcame a frustrating first half in a 44-19 victory over Newcastle.
The game only went ahead after huge amounts of snow were shifted from the pitch and terraces, and the hosts were distinctly lukewarm in the opening 40 minutes at they led 13-12 at the break.
But Cockerill was pleased with the way his side responded in the second-half with the forwards putting in a praiseworthy performance.
"Our discipline was very poor in the first half," he said. "We coughed up the ball far too easily.
"They didn't come to play but just wanted to sit back and frustrate us and kick their penalties. The boys had a word at half-time and we knew what we needed to do.
"Our set-piece and line-outs were very good today and some our driving was exceptional.
"In the end I was very pleased with our six-try win and the second-half performance was a very clinical one. We targeted the last two games and we've got the points we wanted from them."
Static
Opposite number Alan Tait blamed injuries for the scrum problems which allowed the Tigers pack to take control after the break, but accepted his side had underperformed.
"It was a game of two halves," he acknowledged. "We could have led at half-time. We slowed their ball down well and kicked our goals and their play was very static.
"After the interval their forwards got much more involved and bullied us in the contact area. We didn't respond, we didn't retaliate which is not acceptable at this level.
"Our scrummage was again a problem but with injuries we are down to the bare bones."
