Leicester Tigers head coach, Dan McKellar has reacted to Saturday’s East Midlands Derby defeat against Northampton Saints.
Tigers, behind by one point in the 60th minute, lost centre Solomone Kata to a red card which proved pivotal in the contest, Tigers having had two players in the bin either side of half-time.
“We played 40 minutes with 14 players between the red and the two yellows and against Saints in particular, it’s always going to be difficult once that happens,” McKellar said.
“There were times there where we put them under pressure, and we were right in it there when Jasper goes over but ultimately our discipline and execution cost us.
“Look, we’re disappointed because this game means a lot to our team, to our community but right now all I’m thinking about is Bristol and putting in a performance next week we can be proud of. “
One definitive positive on the day was the performance of backrow Finn Carnduff who was exceptional in his first derby and Gallagher Premiership start.
“We recognised Finn just before in the changing rooms there.”
“On a day where Dan Cole of course reached an incredible milestone of his own, Finn playing his first league game in the starting team, he’s got a really long and bright future for this club.”
