Whatever the stats might say, the line-out phase looks like a big problem to most fans

THE result at La Rochelle in the Champions Cup was not unexpected.

- By IAN COCKERILL

Taking on one of Europe's top clubs with a weakened side was always going to be a big ask.

While 39-20 isn't a good scoreline, it was an accurate reflection of the comparative strengths of the teams. Indeed, with a scum that was constantly in retreat and a barely functioning line-out, the scoreboard actually reflects well on the young Leicester side.

However, there hangs a tale. In spite of all that superiority for the home side the Tigers did fire some bullets and there were positives. Chief among these was the European debutant, 19-year-old George Pearson, whose running game was a highlight.