If ever an image summed up Michael Cheika’s new-look Leicester Tigers, it was captain Julian Montoya, right eye swelled shut after catching an errant stud earlier, calling for a scrum penalty inside the Northampton 22 early in the second half.

Michael Cheika oversees a memorable first home victory as Leicester Tigers boss as they overcome rivals and Premiership title holders Northampton.

Cheika was banned for Leicester’s rout of Newcastle on Saturday after an incident following his first game in charge

One by one, the home fans patted Michael Cheika on the back as he left his seat at the final whistle. The Australian has endured a bumpy first month in the job but nothing will endear him more at Welford Road than a physical ­victory against the local rivals.