Costly turnovers frustrate Meyer
Mon, 01 Dec 2008 11:14
Head coach Heyneke Meyer pointed to costly turnovers as Leicester Tigers were denied an opportunity to move up the Guinness Premiership table at Sale Sharks on Friday night.
Tigers had to fight their way back into the game after trailing 17-3 at half time, and got within striking distance before conceding a last-minute breakaway try in a 27-13 defeat.
"I thought we played some good rugby at times, but in the end it is the scoreboard that counts,” said Meyer after a third league defeat of the season.
"They played smarter than us in the first half and we gave them turnovers to score.
"But we regrouped at half-time and played much better in the second half."
England internationals Mark Cueto and Mathew Tait touched down for Sale in the opening half, but Tigers clawed their way back to narrow the gap despite losing fly-half Derick Hougaard to injury early in the second period.
Aaron Mauger moved to the No.10 slot and sidestepped his way in for a try while Julien Dupuy took over kicking duties and landed a conversion and a penalty.
The visitors then enjoyed some intense pressure close to the Sharks line in the closing moments before Rory Lamont made the game certain for the hosts with a breakaway score.
"I always back the guys to come back and we started to do that but then gave away a penalty and their lead was 10 points again," said Meyer.
"Then at the end I thought we could have scored a try to tie the game but they got the turnover and scored and we end up without a point from the game, which is very disappointing.
"In the second half we played most of the rugby but if you give away two turnover tries you are always going to be chasing the game."
With thanks to www.tigers.co.uk
