Dick Muir is all too aware of the threat a familiar foe will pose to South Africa when the Springboks face Leicester Tigers in the opening match of their European tour at Welford Road.
Former Australia wing Lote Tuqiri, who joined the Premiership champions this week, has been included on the bench with Tigers coach Richard Cockerill keen for him to get game time as quickly as possible.
Leicester will be captained by former All Black Aaron Mauger, who will play at flyhalf for the first time in several years, while another ex-New Zealand international Scott Hamilton will play at full-back.
"Mauger is a great player and they have obviously opted for his experience at 10 with Toby Flood injured," said Boks assistant coach Muir.
"With a young centre pair they will be relying on Mauger to steady things, which is not unexpected."
Muir also said he was not surprised to see Tuqiri's name in the squad.
"Lote has not had much game time recently so we expected him to be in the 22," he added.
"He is a quality player and I am sure they will get him onto the park.
"We will have to keep a close eye on him because his strength and finishing power are well known."
Muir expects Leicester to provide his side with a stern examination as the world champions begin their preparations for the Test against France.
The Boks 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.
They begin their five-match tour tonight before facing France in Toulouse in a week's time. 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 inexperienced group of Boks which 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."
Muir added that he was happy with South Africa's preparations for the match.
"The guys are raring to go because this is a big occasion for many of them," he added.
"It's not only about guys making their Springbok debuts, but also about all of these players pushing for inclusion in the Test side.
"There is a lot to play for and I am confident the enthusiasm and eagerness will translate onto the pitch."
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