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Leicester Tigers player ratings: Michael Cheika’s side put on a clinic at Mattioli Woods Welford Road, dismantling the Hollywoodbets Sharks 56-17 in a display that combined power and precision.
Here’s how the Tigers rated:
15. Freddie Steward – 7
Patrolled the backfield with his usual composure, but the Sharks’ bite was more gummy than ferocious, leaving Steward with little to sink his teeth into.
14. Josh Bassett – 7
Worked hard off the ball and kept the Sharks honest on the edge. While he didn’t get over the line, he played his part in a well-oiled backline performance.
13. Izaia Perese – NA
The Wallaby bruiser was taken off at 18 minutes of action with a shoulder injury.
12. Solomone Kata – 9
A try to remember for Kata, who brushed off South African defenders like crumbs from a tablecloth. His fend and acceleration were as effective as they were entertaining.
11. Ollie Hassell-Collins – 8
Right place, right time for his opportunistic try, but it was a moment of heads-up brilliance. Worked tirelessly off his wing to create options in attack.
10. Handré Pollard – 8
A masterclass from the Springbok, dictating the tempo and finishing with a try and six conversions. The Sharks were as helpless as Pollard was clinical.
9. Jack van Poortvliet – 8
A sharp, energetic performance from the scrum-half, capped with a well-taken try. His quick thinking and slick passing kept the Sharks on their heels all evening, even if his tackling was a bit loose at times.
1. Nicky Smith – 7
Did the hard yards in the scrum and around the park. A solid shift from the Welshman as part of a dominant pack.
2. Julián Montoya – 8.5
Two tries from the maestro of the maul and a captain’s performance that oozed leadership. The Sharks had no answer to his hooker’s instinct and Argentine steel.
3. Joe Heyes – 7.5
Gave Sharks loosehead Ntuthuko Mchunu a torrid time and contributed in the loose. Another steady day at the office for the ever-reliable tighthead.
4. Harry Wells – 7
The engine room grafter, Wells tackled and carried like his contract depended on it. A typically hardworking display.
5. George Martin – 8
Big physical presence and key to Leicester’s dominance up front. His offload in the build-up to Pollard’s try was pure class.
6. Hanro Liebenberg – 7
Worked tirelessly in the tight exchanges, hitting rucks and making tackles with unrelenting energy. Played his part in setting the tone.
7. Tommy Reffell – 7
Another tireless defensive display from Reffell, the Welshman hunting turnovers like a truffle pig.
8. Olly Cracknell – 7.5
Carried hard and often, softening up the Sharks’ defence. A typically abrasive performance from the No.8, who showed soft hands for Pollard’s try.
Replacements:
16. Charlie Clare – 8
Made a big impact off the bench, crashing over for a try and keeping the set piece steady. Proof that Leicester’s depth is as robust as a French wine cellar.
17. James Whitcombe – 7
Carried with intent and held his own in the scrum. A solid shift.
18. Dan Cole – 7
Came on to close out the game and brought all the experience and guile you’d expect from the veteran prop.
19. Cameron Henderson – 7
Made his presence felt in the tight and loose. A dependable outing from the lock.
20. Emeka Ilione – 8
Added energy and impact, capping his cameo with a try that showcased his brute power.
21. Ben Youngs – 7
Came on to add control and steer the ship home. Calm and composed as ever.
22. Jamie Shillcock – 7
Added two conversions with ease and kept the backline humming in the final stages.
23. Joseph Woodward – 7
Thrown into the action early after Perese’s injury and took his chance with both hands. Showed maturity beyond his years, combining solid defence with smart attacking lines.
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