After a failed second half in Gironde last weekend, the Leicester Tigers showed a very different face against the Sharks, winning with authority (56-17) and eight tries scored. A success which reflects their good current form in the Premiership and their ambitions in this Champions Cup.
This time, they lasted 80 minutes at a very high level. In an electric atmosphere at Welford Road, the Tigers quickly took the lead to win 56-17. The double European champions were able to count on an omnipresent Handré Pollard. Author of a try before the break, the South African fly-half orchestrated Leicester's game with surgical precision, multiplying well-measured kicks to put his partners in good conditions. His duet with Van Poortvliet, in an armchair behind a dominant forward pack, was the cornerstone of a prolific attack, rewarded with several tries.
The Sharks, who came without their Springboks, had nevertheless shown qualities at the start of the match, notably thanks to a powerful try from Vincent Tshituka. But their inexperience quickly made itself felt in the face of English phlegm. Deprived of key leaders like Siya Kolisi or Eben Etzebeth, who remained in South Africa, the young talents aligned by John Plumtree often sinned by haste, like Keyter, author of a fatal error which offered a cap try to Hassell-Collins.
A successful service
Leicester first played their game from the first minutes, alternating between power in front and fast play on the outside. The forwards, led by captain Montoya, who scored a double, dominated the static phases while the back lines multiplied the sharp breakthroughs, like Kata's good try. With an offensive bonus validated in the 35th minute, Leicester reached the break with a comfortable lead (35-10).
Despite a start to the second half interrupted by numerous handballs, Leicester never gave the Sharks hope of a comeback. Van Poortvliet hit the nail on the head at the start of the second period by scoring a nice solo try following a well-negotiated scrum by the forwards (43rd). The Sharks, despite a try from Hooker converted by Masuku (61st), continued to suffer from their lack of discipline, symbolized by the yellow card of Mchunu (72nd).
The depth of Leicester's bench then made the difference: Clare, replacing Montoya, stood out with a classic forward try (72nd), while Ilione concluded the English festival by scoring a final try at the last minute (80ᵉ).
Leicester revives and recovers
In the group of death, which also includes Stade Toulousain and Union Bordeaux-Bègles, Leicester offers itself a precious improved victory which relaunches its European ambitions. More than just a simple success, the Tigers showed a conquering face, confirming their status as serious contenders in this competition.
As for the Sharks, the heavy defeat does not obscure the positive lessons of this trip. For young South African players, these confrontations against opponents of such caliber represent opportunities to progress and gain maturity. Under the leadership of John Plumtree, the Sharks remain in the race for qualification.
During the next European window, the Sharks will host Stade Toulousain before traveling to Gironde to challenge Bordeaux-Bègles. For their part, Leicester will cross swords with Ulster, largely dominated by the two French clubs in the group, before returning to Stade Toulousain. A meeting which could well be decisive for the fate of the group.
