Meyer impressed with Leicester's attitude

Attitude: Meyer was impressed with Leicester's attitude

New Leicester boss Heyneke Meyer hailed his team's attitude and defensive desire after they opened their Guinness Premiership campaign with victory over Gloucester.

The South African coach watched Leicester grind out a 20-8 victory that was secured by late tries from full-back Geordan Murphy and fly-half Toby Flood.

It was Tigers' third Premiership win against Gloucester at Kingsholm this year, following league and play-off triumphs last term.

"We always knew it would be tough," Meyer, in charge after Marcelo Loffreda's short-lived reign at Welford Road, said.

"We knew Gloucester would come out firing and that we would have to get stuck in and show some attitude.

"Our fitness levels showed and I was very happy with the defence. Gloucester had a lot of opportunities out wide but we defended well."

England back Flood kicked two early penalties on his Premiership debut for Leicester and claimed a late interception try which he also converted, leaving Gloucester to reflect on a dire season opener.

Gloucester saw their title hopes destroyed by the Tigers four months ago.

And while there was none of the nail-biting drama that culminated in Flood's fly-half predecessor Andy Goode sending Leicester to Twickenham through an injury-time drop-goal this time around, Gloucester felt similar misery.

Flood and opposite number Ryan Lamb missed seven shots at goal between them, although Lamb's solitary successful strike before he was substituted 18 minutes from time looked to have made the difference before Murphy struck.

Gloucester full-back Olly Morgan, comfortably the best player on view, scored his team's solitary try just two minutes after Leicester flanker Ben Herring was yellow-carded.

But Gloucester boss Dean Ryan struggled to contain his anger after last season's Premiership table-toppers once again subsided amid the pressure of a big game.

In six seasons of Premiership play-offs, Gloucester finished top after the 22-game regular season, but are still waiting to collect silverware.

"I am frustrated, but we know why we lost that game," a deflated Ryan said.

"It is the small things and how we are being distracted that is killing us. We should have put the game away - we had the winning of it for 70 minutes.

"We have got to look at individuals.

"Yes, we will win games this season, but whether we can win big games? We've got to find out whether the personalities can take this club forward.

"The template is there for us to be a very good side, but taking responsibility is key."

Gloucester must now prepare for the short trip to Bath next Saturday - a venue where they have never won a Premiership match.