Richards' mind games
Last updated: 4th January 2008
Richards: playing mind games?
I do understand there is a certain element of not exactly discontent at Leicester, but if you look at it slightly differently there is a change of attitude between the coaches from Pat Howard to Laffredo.
Dean Richards
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Harlequins coach Dean Richards has suggested there is dissent in the ranks at Leicester as his prepares to face his former club.
Quins will face the Tigers at the Twickenham Stoop live on Sky Sports on Sunday afternoon and it will be the second time Richards has faced the club where he made his name.
Ahead of the clash he told The Rugby Club he has detected a change of policy from the Tigers under Marcelo Loffreda and indicated it will be "interesting" to see how some players react.
He said: "The scrum's good, their line-out's strong and they have a fantastic set of backs if they can get them moving.
"I do understand there is a certain element of not exactly discontent, but if you look at it slightly differently there is a change of attitude between the coaches from Pat Howard to Laffredo.
"I think it's quite interesting to see how people react to that. They've certainly gone back to basics which isn't a bad thing.
"I've heard the backs are enjoying their rucking and mauling at this moment in time, but from our point of view we did that early doors. He's going to make his mark and you can understand why he's doing what he is."
Quins picked up their first win in nine games in all competitions at Worcester last week, but remain in top half of table and Richard insists he is happy with the progress they are making.
"In the last few months we've missed out by a couple of points in a couple of games and that has been frustrating.
"But on the whole the side are learning, progressing, working and improving and we are quite happy with it.
"There is a long way to go and the boys understand that and they are working hard to put it right."
