The final score might suggest that Leicester Tigers were comfortable winners against the Ospreys at Welford Road yesterday.
While they were deserved winners, there was plenty of tension in the air as the two sides traded blows before Tigers landed the knock-out punches in the final 10 minutes.
Ben Youngs was awarded the man of the match honours, but Tigers had much to be thankful for in the shape of fly-half Toby Flood's unerring accuracy – and eye for the half-chance.
2 mins: try 0-7 There is an early shock for the home supporters as Ospreys are into their stride straight from the kick-off and flanker Ryan Jones forces his way over for a try from close range. Dan Biggar converts from the right of the posts.
12 mins: penalty 0-10 More trouble for Tigers, who have yet to be seen as an attacking force in the game. Biggar is handed his first penalty chance from halfway and makes no mistake.
27 mins: penalty 3-10 Tigers are beginning to threaten with ball in hand and Toby Flood eventually gets them on the scoreboard as he slots a 22-metre penalty from the left of the posts.
32 mins: try 10-10 Manu Tuilagi breaches the Ospreys defence, taking a pass from Anthony Allen to score just to the right of the posts after the visitors had been cut apart. Flood converts to level matters.
35 mins: Tigers are given a boost just before the break as Ospreys prop Ryan Bevington is yellow-carded at a scrum by referee Romain Poite.
39 mins: Biggar attempts a drop-goal from 40 metres out as he looks to give his side the half-time advantage, but the ball sails wide of the left-hand upright.
H-T: Tigers 10 Ospreys 10
41 mins: penalty 10-13 Poor start to the second period for Tigers as they are penalised at a scrum just inside their own half. Biggar makes them pay as he lands the penalty.
43 mins: penalty 13-13 The home side's response is swift and Flood has them back on level terms as he slots a 25-metre penalty from right in front of the posts.
49 mins: penalty 16-13 Flood is back in action and his aim is true once again after the Ospreys are penalised at a scrum. The fly-half scores from 45 metres to give Tigers the lead for the first time.
52 mins: penalty 19-13 The Welshmen infringe again and, although he is inside his own half, Flood lines up the kick – and scores with plenty to spare.
56 mins: penalty 19-16 Tigers stray offside and Biggar puts his side back within three points from the resulting penalty.
61 mins: penalty 19-19 It is all square again. Tigers' indiscipline at a scrum gives Biggar the chance to level from the left of the posts – and he readily accepts.
67 mins: penalty 22-19 Flood is back in the spotlight but he takes the pressure on his shoulders to land a penalty from 55 metres.
71 mins: try 29-19 Tigers seize control of the game as Flood intercepts on the halfway line and races clear to score, then convert.
73 mins: penalty 29-22 Biggar responds with a penalty and the game is far from in the bag for Leicester.
76 mins: try 34-22 The game is done and dusted as Ben Youngs scores in the corner and, although Flood fails with the conversion, Tigers have breathing space.
79 mins: try 39-22 Tigers finish on the highest note possible as Tuilagi scores their fourth try as the clock runs down, sealing a magnificent win from 10-0 down.
F-T: Tigers 39 Ospreys 22
