Steve Borthwick pulled his sons into the teaching field, embracing them after Leicester moved to the highest of their pool. It appeared like a sentimental act. A second of reflection as his days at Welford Highway draw to an in depth.
A couple of supporters came to visit to ask for pictures, all with the identical thought: will we see you once more? In latest weeks, Borthwick has at all times said he shall be in control of the following sport. Final night time, nonetheless, he didn’t indulge conversations concerning the Christmas Eve fixture in opposition to Gloucester, insisting he simply needed to get pleasure from this victory over Clermont.
Inside 48 hours his new position as England’s new head coach is anticipated to be confirmed. His squad have been knowledgeable within the dressing room and his eyes glazed over when requested if there had been any replace from the RFU.
Steve Borthwick refused to substantiate that he shall be in control of Leicester Tigers’ subsequent sport
‘I perceive everybody has to ask the query and I do know you perceive why I am saying I wish to get pleasure from as we speak’s consequence,’ he stated. ‘It is a particular membership. I really feel privileged to be a part of it and I’ve received to teach a gaggle of gamers for the final two-and-a-half years that I take care of deeply.’
Except he takes cost of the group later this week, Borthwick’s farewell efficiency was a workmanlike victory in entrance of 20,000 followers.
It was strong if unspectacular, two tries scored by the forwards from lineout platforms, backed up by 13 factors from Charlie Atkinson’s boot. A driving maul will change into a well-known sight at Twickenham.
This was a step up in depth from home competitors as two of Europe’s most prestigious golf equipment went into battle. Few Premiership groups can afford heavy artillery similar to Apisai Naqalevu, who carried the ball like a runaway sleigh, sending early shockwaves by the hosts’ defence.
In his knowledge pushed strategy to teaching, Borthwick, an economics graduate, appears at kicking metres and self-discipline as two important statistics to win a match.
Charlie Atkinson contributed nicely to Leicester Tigers’ win with 13 factors from his boot
Rattling the foundations with their heavyweight carriers, Clermont had the sting in each sides for quarter-hour and took the lead with six factors from the boot of Anthony Belleau. His English namesake, Tony Bellew, would have pushed for a first-round knockout, however Leicester fought again.
Clermont misplaced three of their pack, Arthur Iturria, Paul Jedrasiak and Etienne Falgoux, early on and Leicester capitalised. They boxed intelligent, holding the ball in play, draining heavy Clermont legs after they have been pressured to unload their bench.
Monstrous No 8 Jasper Wiese grew into the sport, carrying laborious to make metres by the center of the pitch. And after 17 minutes, as Leicester arrange a lineout platform, he lower a line off Tommy Reffell, breaking three tackles to attain from 22 metres out.
9 minutes later, Hanro Liebenberg claimed a lineout and well manipulated his physique place to switch the ball. It’s the type of element that’s in Borthwick’s DNA and paid off, hooker Julian Montoya driving over to attain.
Clermont’s self-discipline unravelled. Thibaud Lanen was proven a yellow card, permitting Atkinson to kick the hosts additional forward.
Jasper Wiese scored one among Leicester’s tries in a workmanlike efficiency in entrance of 20,000
However there have been hazard indicators within the second half, because the guests repeatedly broke into the 22. The tempo of the sport slowed down however Clermont’s assaults ended with turnovers and canopy tackles by evergreen prop Dan Cole.
‘I keep in mind taking part in in opposition to Dan on his debut for Leicester, once I was taking part in for Tub,’ stated Borthwick. ‘I take a look at him now and bodily he is in improbable form. He embodies all the things that is good about Leicester Tigers, humble and understated.’
Centre Dan Kelly additionally performed his half within the defensive scramble, holding up Alex Newsome over the road, whereas Atkinson’s boot edged Leicester to a 14-point lead.
Scrum-half Sebastien Bezy broke from the scrum to attain a bonus level attempt for Clermont late on, however there was no time to disclaim Leicester victory in what might be the ultimate act in Borthwick’s farewell tour
Leicester’s workmanlike efficiency within the win in opposition to Clermont is typical of Borthwick
