South Africa assistant coach Dick Muir expects Leicester to provide his side with a stern examination when the Springboks begin their preparations for the Test against France.
The world champions are the guests as the Tigers officially open the new Caterpillar Stand, which increases the capacity at Welford Road from 17,000 to 24,000.
The Boks begin their five-match tour tomorrow before facing France in Toulouse a week later. They will also play Tests against Italy and Ireland, with a midweek fixture against current Guinness Premiership leaders Saracens in between.
Leicester will be without back rows Tom Croft, Lewis Moody and Jordan Crane, lock Louis Deacon and centre Dan Hipkiss, who are all in the England squad to face Australia at Twickenham on Saturday.
But Muir believes the Tigers will still pose a threat to an in experienced group of Boks that includes nine newcomers.
"It's a huge game and we will treat it like any other game," said Muir.
"It will be good preparation for the game against France because Leicester have some great players and internationals all over the place and they play a great brand of rugby.
"Although they have lost a few of their top players to the England squad, they have good depth and they will be tough opponents.
"It's a chance for the newcomers to stake a claim as there are places on the bench and in the starting line-up up for grabs for the game against France."
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