Andy Key says all Leeds' hard work this season is finally beginning to pay off in the wake of Sunday's victory over Saracens.
Leeds boss delighted as his side's efforts begin to bear fruit
Leeds director of rugby Andy Key says all his side's hard work this season is finally beginning to pay off in the wake of Sunday's victory over Saracens.
Leeds' third straight Guinness Premiership win saw the Yorkshire club haul themselves off the bottom of the table to move up two places into 10th spot.
The 19-12 triumph over Saracens followed victories over Sale Sharks and Wasps and, Key insists, reinforces his side's firm belief that they can avoid the drop.
"That's been the objective over the last few weeks," said a delighted Key. "What we've always known is that this side had the ability to win and win well.
"I think the last four weeks has really demonstrated now, to ourselves as well, how you have to play and the consistency you have to provide and the intensity you have to play at to make sure you come away with a win.
"We've learned some heavy lessons along the way, but all that hard work is starting to bear fruit. I think you saw today huge mental strength.
"Maybe the way we were performing in the first half, some of the decisions that seemed to be going against us at times, and the mental strength the side needed to have to make sure it didn't go off the rails was outstanding.
"As a result of that we've produced a really good win today."
Key was also delighted that his side prevented Saracens from touching down - Leeds have only conceded three tries in their last four games.
"There was a period just into the second half where we had to defend like our lives depended on it," he added
"Not only did we do that outstandingly well and give no points away. I think we turned the ball over and relieved the pressure and found ourselves on the halfway."
Dilemma for Venter
Saracens have now lost five of their last six league games in sharp contrast to their 100% record prior to Christmas.
Director of rugby Brendan Venter was left trying to explain what he saw as a complete turnaround after half-time.
"I didn't even remotely feel uncomfortable (in the first half)," he said. "We'd got in behind Leeds a couple of times.
"They'd run the ball in the first half and we'd smashed them and there was nothing on for them.
"I never even thought remotely in the first half we were not going to win that game."
"In the last 20 minutes Leeds looked so much better than us and that's when we start playing like individuals, and that's the issue, that's the dilemma I'm faced with.
"I'm not angry. I know they want to play well, but that's what happens when a team struggles.
"They start saying 'it's not me' and they start playing like individuals."