Leicester will this weekend try to do what no other side in European Cup history has done -- defeat reigning champions Munster at the Irish province's Thomond Park ground.
Pool Four leaders Munster have already qualified for this season's quarterfinals, but there will be no easing up come today's match as victory, in the final round of group matches, would assure them of a home tie in the last eight.
Leicester, twice European Cup winners, could make it into the quarter-finals themselves with a win as one of the two best runners-up across the six pools.
But a losing bonus point might still be enough to see the Tigers into the knockout phase depending upon results elsewhere.
Ireland outside-half Ronan O'Gara's last-ditch 50m penalty was all that separated the sides when Munster beat Leicester 21-19 at Welford Road on the opening weekend of this season's tournament back in October.
Leicester have won all their subsequent games to keep alive their hopes of still being involved when the competition resumes in March after the Six Nations Championship.
But Tigers scrum-half Harry Ellis, for whom a good performance in Ireland could help him regain his England place, was in no doubt about the scale of the task facing Leicester.
"It is the biggest game of the season -- how often do we say that? -- but it is true of this match because we have to go to Munster, win and win well. To go there and win would be tremendous," he said.
"They are very passionate about their rugby over there, but we are determined and we will be switched on to giving them a good fight.
"Munster do the simple things really well. They are very direct, control the game well and kick to the corners to play a territory game," added Ellis, uncertain of his half-back partner with former Munster favorite Paul Burke, England discard Andy Goode and Ian Humphreys all trying to overcome injuries.
Even so, Munster was given a scare away to Bourgoin in Geneva last weekend before coming through 30-27/
Captain Paul O'Connell, the Ireland lock, said: "There are things we have to refine and tidy up after that game."
"We looked at attacking space against Bourgoin -- and the boys did that -- so we just have to keep on doing what we are doing and tighten it up a bit," he said.
"I don't think a high-risk game will suit when we play Leicester," he said.
Welsh side Llanelli are through to the last eight having won Pool Five with one round to spare, a feat also performed by Ireland's Leinster in Pool Two.
Also assured of quarterfinal qualification are Pool Six leaders Biarritz. They will stay top if they gain a point away to second-placed Northampton or deny their hosts a winning try bonus point at Franklin's Gardens tomorrow.
In Pool One, former champions London Wasps will make it through if they avoid defeat today away to France's Castres, who need a win if they are to stay in the hunt for a runners-up spot.
Meanwhile, Stade Francais will expect to get the bonus point win they need to be certain of topping Pool Three when they play host to Italy's Calvisano, who have been beaten in all five of their group matches so far this season.
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