Leicester Tigers player ratings: Tigers secured a hard-fought 28-15 bonus-point victory over Exeter Chiefs at Welford Road in a game best described as an arm wrestle.
Here’s how the players performed:
1. Nicky Smith – 6.5
Solid in the scrum throughout his 73 minutes. Made key tackles in the loose and ensured a strong platform against Exeter’s physical pack.
2. Julian Montoya – 6
Reliable at the lineout and ferocious at the breakdown. Subbed after 71 minutes following an industrious performance.
3. Joe Heyes – 6
A bit of a mixed bag for Heyes who didn’t get it all his own way against Scott Sio. He did add a physicality to Leicester’s defensive work until his substitution at 65 minutes.
4. Cameron Henderson – 8
An impressive shift. Scored Leicester’s second try in the 31st minute, charging over from close range. Faded a little in the second half.
5. Harry Wells – 6
A cart horse in the tight exchanges. Delivered a solid defensive display before making way in the 59th minute.
6. Hanro Liebenberg – 6
Contributed to a strong opening half with powerful carries and defensive work before shipping an injury that ended his afternoon early.
7. Tommy Reffell – 7.5
A menace at the breakdown, securing turnovers and slowing down Exeter’s ball. His tireless defensive effort helped nullify Exeter’s attacking opportunities.
8. Olly Cracknell – 8.5
Set the tone with a try in the 13th minute, driving over with the poise of a man determined to prove that brute force can also be an art form. His relentless carrying and unyielding defence marked him as a central figure in Leicester’s gritty performance.
9. Jack van Poortvliet – 7.5
Quick and decisive at the base. Provided the assist for Henderson’s try with sharp decision-making. Substituted at 65 minutes after a strong showing. A tidy performance from the England nine.
10. Handré Pollard – 8
Controlled the game with accurate tactical kicking and flawless goal-kicking, converting all four tries. A telling offload in the build-up to Henderson’s try too.
11. Ollie Hassell-Collins – 7
Strolled over in the 67th minute after a flowing team move. Threatened every time he had the ball and worked hard defensively.
12. Solomone Kata – 8
A standout in attack, beating five defenders with a mix of power and agility. His ability to break tackles consistently kept Exeter’s defence on the back foot
13. Dan Kelly – 7
Broke the defensive line in the buildup to Hassell-Collins’ try. Defended solidly and offered a strong midfield presence alongside Kata.
14. Josh Bassett – 5.5
A turnover aside it was a somewhat subdued outing for Bassett, who struggled to make an impact in attack and remained quiet throughout. Defensively sound but lacked opportunities to shine.
15. Freddie Steward – 7
Relatively secure under the high ball and took a big contact from Will Rigg for his troubles. His well-timed pass helped set up Hassell-Collins’ try, showing his playmaking ability from fullback.
REPLACEMENTS
16. Charlie Clare – NA
Not on long enough to rate.
17. James Whitcombe – NA
Not on long enough to rate.
18. Dan Cole – 6.5
Brought calm and stability to the set-piece in his 15-minute cameo.
19. Jed Holloway – 6
Strong in the lineout and physical around the park after his 59th-minute introduction.
20. Matt Rogerson – 7.5
Made an impact at the breakdown and in defence, seamlessly stepping in for Liebenberg at halftime. A tackling machine.
21. Ben Youngs – 8
Scored Leicester’s fourth try in the 75th minute with a sharp snipe. Controlled the closing stages with his experience and game management.
22. Jamie Shillcock – 7
Brought composure and kept the team organised in the dying minutes.
23. Joseph Woodward – 7
Showed glimpses of his potential with strong carries and solid defensive work after coming on in the 59th minute.
