Chessum and Martin were really ‘up for it’, says McKellar

Leicester boss Dan McKellar paid tribute to his young locks Ollie Chessum and George Martin.

The Australian said they were “up for it” in a match which pitted them against England rival Maro Itoje.

McKellar said: “They are good mates and if they get it right, they should play a lot of Test matches over the next few years.”

McKellar also praised the contribution of prop Joe Heyes who is another Leicester player pushing for an England place.

“He’s an incredible talent and does not realise how good he could be. He’s slowly learning that but he’s not done his (England) chances any harm.”

McKellar expects injured England scrum-half Jack van Poortvliet to be back from the knee injured which ruled him out of the World Cup before the Six Nations. However, England full-back Freddie Steward suffered a shoulder knock and will have to be assessed. Overall,

McKellar added: “I’m happy at the win but not satisfied. We have to keep ticking along and picking up wins.”

Saracens‘ Mark McCall said was proud at his team’s efforts and that they were not “far off” winning. But conceded Leicester had taken full advantage at the scrum. “We have some personnel missing in the front row (Mako Vunipola and Jamie George among them) and at the minute our scrum is hurting us.”