Heineken Rugby Cup: Williams plots to tame Tigers

Celtic League champions Leinster will aim to turn the clock back two years when they tackle European champions Leicester in Sunday’s Heineken Cup quarter-final clash at Welford Road.

Leinster were the last team to topple the Tigers on home soil - a 32-10 Heineken Cup group win - since when Leicester have reeled off 36 successive victories in all competitions.

Leicester though, were already out of Europe that January afternoon, and Leinster coach Matt Williams knows it will be an entirely different story this time around.

‘‘They had very much a second-string side out - they were out of the tournament - yet we still know how hard it was to beat them,’’ Williams said.

‘‘This time they will be at full-strength, but these are the days that you live for. It will be a great day and a great occasion, win, lose or draw.’’

Leinster hold a 3-2 lead over five previous European meetings between the teams, and Leicester go into battle following back-to-back defeats against Llanelli and Harlequins, but Australian Williams accepts that a huge task lies ahead.

‘‘When I was coaching in the Super 12 tournament, Auckland were the outstanding team - they were the ones we always wanted to play,’’ he added.

‘‘And it is much the same with Leicester. They are the Heineken Cup champions - they are the ones you want to test yourself against.

‘‘We are under no illusions about hard it is going to be on Sunday - this will be the biggest test that this Leinster team has ever faced.

‘‘Leicester are a wonderful side with great talent, but we will go there with spirits high and plenty of confidence.’’

Tigers are set to welcome back England star Austin Healey from suspension, while Leicester old boy Eric Miller can expect a warm welcome when he returns to the east midlands with Leinster.