Pool B: Bordeaux Bègles 13-16 LeicesterTigers get Champions Cup campaign off to fine startThere was a time when we would not have been surprised by Leicester dominance, but so fresh is this second coming of the Tigers that each new height reattained seems of note. Here, in the lair of the French leaders, no less, they continued their unbeaten start to the season with a 13th consecutive win in their opener in Europe against Bordeaux.
George Ford, fresh from the announcement of his imminent departure for Sale, was masterful in the first half, before subsiding into an error-strewn third quarter, but he rediscovered the best of himself when it mattered to land the winning penalty with less than five minutes remaining. “Since the day I walked in here,” said Steve Borthwick, “George Ford has been superb, every day. He has made a personal decision [to leave], but he has handled the whole process in a really respectful manner. I have no doubt, right up to the day he leaves, he will be giving everything.”