Leicester Tigers head coach Steve Borthwick

Steve Borthwick strives for cohesion in new-look Leicester

head coach Steve Borthwick was frustrated at the display and promised his squad would work hard to “knit” together as the line up continues to evolve during his first season in charge.

Tigers introduced replacement hooker Julian Montoya, from , and gave a first start to South African prop Luan de Bruin.

Borthwick felt a “terrible” start to the second half had cost them dear. “We then had to force our way against a very good side.

“We've got a lot of work to do to bring new players together and to be a cohesive team.”

Tigers aptain Tom Youngs is eager to play another season after clocking up his 200th appearance.

The hooker, who celebrated his 34th birthday on Thursday, said: “I've another season in me. If you can call time on your career you are a lucky man, I've another season – we shall see.”