Dallaglio hails Wasps spirit
The former England skipper put in a captain's performance before being subbed in the second half
Sunday, 20, May 2007 08:47
Victorious Wasps skipper Lawrence Dallaglio praised his side's defence after their 25-9 Heineken Cup win over Leicester.
The London side cemented their reputation as big-game specialists with first-half tries from Eion Reddan and Raphael Ibanez.
Andy Goode kicked three penalties for the Guinness Premiership and EDF Energy Cup winners, but they were unable to get past the Wasps' rearguard.
Dallaglio hailed the victory at Twickenham as one of Wasps' proudest achievements.
"We defended like our lives depended on it and I think we deserved it," the 34-year-old said.
"Everyone was talking about the Leicester guys - they've had a fantastic season but we have won the last eight finals we've played in [and] when you're underdogs it pumps you up," said Dallaglio.
"Everyone, man-to-man was outstanding. Leicester are a great team and we feel very proud to have beaten them on the biggest stage of all."
Dallaglio was brought off on 50 minutes but replacement James Haskell helped block a series of Leicester scrums in the closing minutes.
Meanwhile, Tigers skipper Martin Corry admitted his side were below-par but hailed Leicester's domestic double.
"We didn't have a good day today but looking back we've had a tremendous season and I'm hugely proud of everyone associated with the club," Corry said.
The European Cup final was the last game for Leicester coach Pat Howard who will return to Australia in the summer for family reasons.
Howard said he will look back on his time with the Tigers with pride.
"To do the treble is an amazing thing and you have to turn up a lot of times. We let ourselves down today but I'm immensely proud of my association with this club," Howard said.