Ulster looking forward to 'formidable' challenge of Tigers

Ulster rugby coach Mark Anscombe says his side can't feel too disappointed by not getting a bonus point win in the Heineken Cup last weekend.

Although they needed other results to help them out, Ulster qualified for the quarter finals of the European competition, going five wins from five in their pool with one more game to come.

Anscombe's men were criticised for not taking their chances in their win over Montpellier at Ravenhill in which they only scored three tries, despite having plenty of other clear-cut chances to score the important fourth.

They travel to Welford Road where they clash with Leicester Tigers with less pressure on their shoulders to qualify.

However, a new challenge presents itself for both sides this weekend.

A win of any sort or even a draw will be enough for the Irish province to secure a home quarter-final while only a win will do for the English Premiership side.

“It was very satisfying to go five from five, it’s not too often we have ever done that or if any team does that,” Anscombe said.

“We know we are not playing perfectly, we know there is a lot of working on our game but we have to take our wins and enjoy them.”

The English Premiership champions will take to the pitch in front of their home fans on the back of their bonus-point win away in Treviso last week.

They are unbeaten in their last five home matches in European and Premiership competitions and Anscombe knows the size of the challenge facing his side going into battle.

“Leicester have a great home track record so that makes this weekend tougher.

“They are the English champions, it’s going to be a tough task but it’s one we have to embrace and look forward to.

“There are some guys playing that won’t get a taste of international rugby so it really doesn’t get any bigger than this, I know it’s going to be a full house there and they bring their team home like our crowd here so that makes it more formidable,” Anscombe added.