MATCH FACTS Newcastle 15 (7): Tries: Tait, Stephenson Con: Wilkinson Pen: Wilkinson Leicester 44 (17) Tries: Rabeni 2, Murphy, Corry, Penalty Pens: Broadfoot, Murphy Cons: Broadfoot 2, Murphy 2

Tigers made a fast start when Geordan Murphy scored a try moments after the kick-off only for Newcastle to hit back quickly through Michael Stephenson.

A penalty try restored the visitors' lead and they added two tries by Seru Rabeni and one from Martin Corry.

Jonny Wilkinson had a conversion and a penalty for the hosts but was unable to spark a Newcastle comeback.

Afterwards Newcastle director of rugby Rob Andrew was in awe of Leicester.

He said: "It was as good a performance as I have seen at club level, alongside some of Wasps' efforts at the end of last season.

"They are back to where they were three or four years ago and with Martin Johnson and Neil Back so focused on club rugby it's a big bonus for them."

The quality of some of the play was as good as I have seen from Leicester Leicester boss John Wells

Both teams had to make late changes to their line-ups.

Austin Healey was missing for Leicester, while Newcastle badly missed Australian Matt Burke, who pulled out with a shoulder problem.

The omens were bad for the home side when number eight Semo Sititi fumbled the kick-off, allowing the Tigers to apply immediate pressure from which they scored the opening try.

Newcastle did respond, but they were outclassed in the second half by an impressive Leicester outfit that looked well worth their lofty perch in the table.

Tigers coach John Wells said: "The quality of some of the play was as good as I have seen from Leicester, especially at the point of contact.

"We got good players into space and showed our ability to play with the ball."

Newcastle: Walder, May, Noon, Burke, Stephenson, J Wilkinson (joint capt), Charlton, Peel (joint capt), Long, Hurter, Gross, Grimes, McCarthy, Sititi, Charvis.
Replacements: Ward, Thompson, Hamilton, Dowson, Grindal, Taione, Tait.

Leicester: Murphy, Holtby, Smith, Gibson, Healey, Broadfoot, Ellis, Rowntree, Chuter, White, M Johnson (capt), L Deacon, B Deacon, Back, Corry.
Replacements: Buckland, Kay, W. Johnson, Morris, Bemand, Cornwell, A. Tuilagi.