Youngs steps up to make sure for Tigers

LEICESTER needed a burst of magic from old favourite Ben Youngs to finish off stubborn Exeter who led going into the final quarter.

- ROB WILDMAN

A typical darting break by the former England scrum-half, who had replaced Jack van Poortvliet for the final 13 minutes, brought him Leicester’s fourth try and stopped any hopes of an upset.

Leicester boss Michael Cheika praised Youngs for the way he had adapted to be a regular substitute behind van Poortvliet. He said: “To go from the being the main man is not easy. But he’s been brilliant.”

The Chiefs, thriving on a muscular edge provided by their pack, led 15-14 only to be overhauled in the closing stages by tries from Ollie Hassell-Collins and Youngs’ dummy and sprint.

Exeter by then were down to 14 men after substitute wing Will Rigg had been sin binned for obstructing Freddie Steward in a challenge to win a high ball. From that moment Tigers took control again to record a sixth Premiership win of the season.

Despite playing in fits and starts, Tigers led 14-8 at half-time and paid for their lack-lustre effort after the break when Exeter grabbed the lead thanks to two tries from wing Tom Wyatt.

Leicester had shown the more ruthless edge in a first half that was dominated by a kick contest which brought, according to official stats, 39 kicks out of hand.