Tigers star: Blues gave us problems

Nov 5 2007 by Phil Blanche, Western Mail

WORLD CUP star Lewis Moody ripped into EDF Energy Cup doubters by telling them what it means to English champions Leicester.

Moody provided a fascinating insight into what makes the Tigers’ winning machine tick after playing a major part in their second-half demolition of Dai Young’s Blues.

But the British Lions and England flanker gave the battered Blues hope of making an impact in the Heineken Cup against Bristol next weekend by talking up their performance at Welford Road.

“They are a very good team and gave us problems, particularly in the first half,” said Moody.

“But we want to go out and win every game. We want to win the EDF Cup again this season and are going full tilt for it.

“Some people write off this tournament, but we are the champions and our aim is simple – we are hungry to win all three trophies on offer this season.

“We nearly did it last season. We know it is a monumental challenge, but that is our aim.

“This win over the Blues has given us a platform to take into Europe, but we won’t get too carried away.”

Leicester captain Martin Corry, the England and Lions forward, chipped in, “We were up against a really good side and we had to take our chances when they came.

“But we knew that if we stuck to our game the scores would eventually come.

“We knew if we played at the tempo we wanted we would start to see the sort of rugby we want to play at Welford Road. It was enjoyable, especially in the second half.”

Acting head coach Richard Cockerill, the former England bulldog hooker, also offered encouraging words to the Blues, saying, “The intensity was high. The Blues are a good team.

“That was like a European game and a great dress rehearsal for the Heineken Cup.

“We knocked off the rust in the first half and found our stride in the second half.

“I told the lads to be patient at half-time and the attitude was second to none. We just needed to make fewer errors.

“But the score was a bit flattering towards us. We defended well in the first half, but we have to look at why we had to defend for so long.

“I was not worried, just concerned we were being pinned in our half. We weren’t getting enough territory or ball and we were probably a little bit fortunate to be up at half-time.”

Blues back rower Scott Morgan said, “We have got a really disappointed changing room after coming in 9-6 down at half-time and being on top.

“We should have been ahead. That is how we saw it, but Leicester are a top team and know how to stay in a game.

“The sin-binning (Gareth Williams) didn’t help us, but they stepped it up, got on the front foot and went for the jugular.

“Because we could not get out of our half, it was difficult from there on. We couldn’t get field position and were having to chase the game.”