New Leicester head coach Marcelo Loffreda was delighted to make a winning start to life in the Guinness Premiership after his side saw off a spirited Leeds at Headingley with a 29-6 victory.
A brace of tries from Tom Varndell either side of Tom Youngs' score proved to be the difference in an even contest as the Tigers took their chances in ruthless fashion.
"I am pleased. The win is always important," said Argentina's World Cup coach.
"We could do some of the aspects better than we did it but in general I'm really happy."
Loffreda, who steered the Pumas to third place in France last month, singled out young flanker Tom Croft for special praise after an outstanding performance.
"Croft was really outstanding and he was the man of the match. He has a lot of potential, a really good future but maybe in another in another few months who could make a big jump," he added.
"It's really tough. Leeds are not in the best position of the competition and it is difficult. They worked hard and played a really good game and I have to congratulate the Leeds team."
Loffreda's new side is yet to concede a try under his leadership after another fine defensive display following last weekend's Heineken Cup shut-out of Edinburgh.
"When we planned the game we did it very carefully not to give them any opportunity to score. We did not concede any tries to them but we have to be more sharp when we have the ball," he explained.
Leeds director of rugby Stuart Lancaster was pleased with the way his side matched the reigning Premiership champions' physicality despite coming out second best.
"I was disappointed with the scoreline but I thought there were lots of positive aspects to our performance," he said.
"What it demonstrated is that you've got to get all parts of your game functioning to the highest level when you're facing sides of the quality of Leicester.
"Leicester took their chances well and it won them the game.
"I thought we matched them across the field but they're a quality side and they get one or two opportunities and suddenly you look at the score and think is that a fair reflection of the game.
"We didn't get enough decent ball off our lineout. In a game like this when your lineout and ability to draw off it as crucial we didn't generate enough pressure on them in that area to win the game."
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