Steep learning curve for Tigers
Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:33
Leicester Tigers are preparing themselves for yet a tough encounter against Ospreys on Saturday, as coach Heyneke Meyer readies his squad for another pre-season friendly ahead of the Guinness Premiership season.
Tigers started their pre-season schedule with a narrow loss to Biarritz last Friday, and former Blue Bulls coach Meyer reckons that EDF Energy Cup champions Ospreys will provide another tough match, especially since the game forms part of Wales wing Shane Williams' testimonial season..
"It was a difficult game in Biarritz but I prefer that," said Meyer.
"We need to give everybody a run before the first game of the Guinness Premiership season, we are trying new things, playing to new laws and reacting to them.
"I want to see how guys go under pressure. It is no use playing games and putting 50 points on teams then going into the big games under pressure and not being used to it.
"Biarritz was a big game away from home and Ospreys are also one of the top sides. These are difficult games, but you learn from that and you work hard to rectify mistakes."
Meyer's side managed five tries in Biarritz last week and still ended up on the losing side, but the coach felt that his squad were experiencing a good learning curve.
"I could see guys were disappointed with the result but I was quite impressed by their mental toughness," he told tigers.co.uk.
"You want to improve and have that toughness in the last 10 minutes when you are down to 14 men and having to defend - and hopefully we can do that in the future."
Meyer also has the luxury of bolstering his squad with Tigers' England Elite Squad members, who have recently returned from duty with national team manager Martin Johnson and his coaching team.
