Leicester Tigers coach Richard Cockerill says that he is "not downhearted" after seeing his side lose 30-28 at home to Exeter Chiefs on the opening day of the new Aviva Premiership season.
The Tigers had 11 players missing on World Cup duty for what was their third consecutive opening day defeat, but Cockerill was refusing to blame any absentees for the loss.
"I'm not downhearted at all. We have a lot of blokes missing - and I'm not using that as an excuse - but I was pleased with the way we battled away.
"We will review the tape on Monday and we have to improve on some bits, there is no getting away from it. The attitude was outstanding, our commitment was outstanding which put us in the mix at the end to potentially win it."
Leicester next face a trip to Wasps on Sunday, September 11.
