"Focus on the Now" – Leicester Tigers' Freddie Steward & Michael Cheika have only got their eyes set on Bristol Bears
Yesterday at 10:39 AM
By James Logan
Premiership Rugby returns this weekend as Leicester Tigers welcome Bristol Bears to Mattioli Woods Welford Road following two weeks of Investec Champions Cup action.Director of Rugby Michael Cheika says 'he doesn't see the next three games' as he believes his side should only focus on the now, which is the tough task of an in-form Bristol Bears side.
He said: "I'm only really seeing the next game (Bristol), as there is no point in seeing the next few games.
"Forecasting future games isn't for me. I've never been one of the gambling types, I much prefer to focus on the now."
The Aussie didn't disregard the importance of preparation: "You'll need to have a plan according to the training week and leading up to games, but everything is determined by what happens on Saturday.
"From there we can base everything on how things go on Saturday."
Bristol Bears currently sit five points above Tigers in 2nd place despite having the same win-to-loss record, suggesting that bonus points could make an enormous difference this season.
The Tigers boss praised how their opponents have gone about it this season and suggested that the way rugby is played in the Premiership has changed.
He said: "They are playing good footie, the number of teams that are just throwing the ball around I feel like I'm letting the team down.
"We are maybe still playing a bit too conservative in that way, they are up there and have won the same amount of games as us.
"But with the bonus points they sit five or six points ahead of us, but we are going to have to lift our game here this weekend."
Following their demolition of the Hollywoodbets Sharks last weekend in the Champions Cup, full-back Freddie Steward feels the way the team are set up allows him to relish attacking opportunities.
Steward said: "”They have been fantastic for me. It comes down to confidence and a bit of bravery, putting myself in those positions and wanting the ball in my hands.
The 6'4 Englishmen added: “I think over the last couple of years I’ve been so happy waiting on the edge and waiting for the magic to happen.
"So, it’s been driven by the coaches that they want all of us backs out there to get our hands on the ball, so it’s a bit more licence and I’ve been really enjoying it.”
Leicester Tigers will welcome high flying Bristol Bears the Mattioli Woods Welford Road at 3pm on Saturday the 21st of December.
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