Howard Keeping Tigers Grounded

Having emerged form their back-to-back clashes with the Celtic League champions, the Ospreys with two wins and nine points, Howard now has to prepare his side for a vital fifth round game against Stade Francais Paris at Welford road next month.

"It's nice being on top of the pool, but it by no means signed, sealed and delivered that we will reach the quarter-finals," said Howard.

"As we found last season after playing against London Wasps the Pool of Death doesn't stop once the back-to-back matches are over.

"We have two huge games to come and we know that Stade Francais are very comfortable playing at Welford Road. Then, after that game, we have to go France to play Clermont Auvergne.

Howard was full of praise for the tenacity and determination shown by his players, who seemed down and out when they were 15-3 behind and reduced to 13 men in the second half.

"I don't know if we deserved to win but we had a lot of guts and determination about us," he said.

"The players were fantastic, showed great courage and were brilliantly led.

"That 'never say die' attitude is a cultural thing at the club that was there well before I arrived

"That backbone comes from within the club. We didn't have our best day at the office and the game went right down to the wire before we stole a victory.