Handre Pollard marked his Leicester Tigers return with a commanding 17-point performance, including a try and flawless kicking, as the Tigers routed the Sharks 49-17 in their Investec Champions Cup match at Welford Road.
Pollard’s precision kicking and game management set up early tries for captain Julian Montoya through rolling mauls, while his own try capped a stellar first half that secured the bonus point within 34 minutes.
An understrength Sharks side, missing stars like Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth, struggled to keep pace, despite a brief response from Manu Tshituka.
Leicester’s dominance continued after the break, with Jack van Poortvliet and replacements Charlie Clare and Emeka Ilione adding further tries to cement a commanding win.
The Tigers’ power and tactical execution propelled them to second in the table, leaving Sharks in fourth. With six internationals returning to the lineup, head coach Michael Cheika’s side displayed intent and cohesion, moving closer to a top-four finish and a last-16 spot.
Recap
Leicester Tigers: (35) 56
- Tries: Montoya 2, Hassell-Collins, Kata, Pollard, Van Poortvliet, Clare, Ilione Cons: Pollard 6, Shillcock 2
Sharks: (10) 17
- Tries: Tshituka, Hooker Cons: Masuku 2 Pen: Masuku
Leicester Tigers: Steward; Bassett, Perese, Kata, Hassell-Collins; Pollard, Van Poortvliet; Smith, Montoya (c), Heyes, Wells, Martin, Liebenberg, Reffell, Cracknell.
Replacements: Clare, Cronin, Cole, Henderson, Ilione, Youngs, Shillcock, Woodward.
Sharks: Jo Hendrikse; Keyter, Hooker, Venter, Penxe; Masuku, Ja Hendrikse; Mchunu, Richardson, Nyakane, Jenkins, Van Heerden, Buthelezi (c), Labuschagne, Tshituka.
Replacements: Bester, Ganyane, Jacobs, Rahl, Mavesere, Davids, Appollis, Kunene.
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Ita).
