Blake proud of Tigers attitude and execution
2 November 2019 18:59 By Sam Williamson
Leicester Tigers defence coach Phil Blake speaks to LTTV following the come-from-behind, three-point victory over Gloucester Rugby at Welford Road in Round 3 of the 2019/20 Gallagher Premiership season.
Phil Blake believes the brave defensive effort of the Tigers squad was a key factor in the victory over Gloucester in wet and slippery conditions at Welford Road on Saturday afternoon.
Speaking to LTTV following the match, Blake said he was proud of the side's attitude and effort in the hard-fought victory and happy to see the work put in to implementing a new-look defence throughout the gruelling, extended pre-season paying off.
"We have been quite strong in the first three games and throughout the pre-season defensively," he said.
"We haven't had the results until today but, on the back of the strategy and on the back of the way the players have trained throughout the week, it was nice to see them implement it for the full 80 minutes.
"At the end there ... although everyone is on the edge of their seat, we solved everything they threw at us."
Blake, who re-joined the club midway through last season, also explained why - no matter the plans in the place - defence ultimately comes down to the attitude of the players on the pitch.
The Tigers defence coach also pointed towards this current crop of Leicester players wanting to create their own identity as a playing group while also instilling the successful DNA of the club throughout its days a "powerhouse" of world rugby.
"It's all mental, it's all attitude ... all good, successful sides build that success on the back of defence," Blake told LTTV.
"This club has been a powerhouse for a long time on the back of that and we are trying to get our way back."
Blake believes the win will go a long way to lifting the Tigers team after a tough opening month to the new Premiership season, as well as helping lift the spirits of Leicester players who will return to the club after being involved in the Rugby World Cup Final loss to South Africa in Japan.
"It's only one result but it's a result that is going to lift this squad and lift the boys coming home after the disappointment of this morning," said Blake.
The Tigers assistant coach also says the line in the sand has been drawn and the standard for which to improve on set in the gutsy display over the table-topping Gloucester squad.
"We put a line in the sand and set a standard tonight that we nee to improve on next week," added Blake.
Watch the full interview above on LTTV.
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