GP – Pack power and adaptability set the tone

Geoff Parling has credited his side’s adaptability as Tigers secured an emphatic 7-36 victory over Harlequins at The Stoop.

Tigers established control through well-drilled set-piece work, turning scrum pressure into territory which reflected on the scoreboard by holding a commanding 0-17 lead at the interval.

“We’re a very good scrummaging side when we’re in the contests,” Parling said post-match.

“At scrum time, we felt that we haven’t been getting some of the outcomes that we’ve probably deserved… we wanted to get to contests and then when we do that, we tend to go forward.”

With the tricky conditions of swirling winds, managing territory was key, and Parling was pleased with how his pack applied themselves across the 80 minutes.

“The conditions were quite hard at times in that first half… I thought the set-piece in general, the pack worked hard for each other. Overall, very pleased with what we did.”

The win came after a challenging week behind the scenes following Tigers’ return from South Africa, with illness disrupting preparation. Parling was quick to highlight the resilience shown by the squad.

“This group at the moment has proven themselves to be adaptable, making no excuses, and I’m really proud of that performance.”

“The boys ripped in, did well, and then came here and performed.”

Among those to impress were Tommy Reffell and Cameron Henderson, both of whom responded strongly after missing out on Six Nations selection for Wales and Scotland. Henderson’s physical display earned himself the Player of the Match award.

“I thought Tommy Reffell and Cameron Henderson were very, very good tonight. Tommy Reffell was great at the breakdown. Cam Henderson was very physical in what he did, especially defensively, and I thought they’ve put up in some big performances recently.”

With the Gallagher PREM entering a break for the PREM Cup, Tigers sit inside the top four and firmly in the play-off conversation.

“I think we’re in a decent spot. It’s up to us now to decide when we come back after the PREM Cup. We’ll have the whole squad together for that run in. It’s generally up to us to then decide what we want to do with the season.”

Supporters can secure their seats for the next home fixture when Bristol Bears visit Mattioli Woods Welford Road on Saturday 22nd March. Book your match tickets now and be there to back the boys.

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