Richards fears crunch tie

Leicester coach Dean Richards dismissed talk of his Premiership champions pulling off a trophy this season after an error-strewn Zurich play-off quarter-final.

Although Tigers scored two excellent tries through Winston Stanley and Austin Healey, it was a scrappy match. But victory means at least they will be at home to Northampton in this weekend's semi-final.

Richards, whose side is chasing the Zurich Championship and the Heineken European Cup, said: 'We've not even considered the treble.'

The former England No.8 believes there is a major obstacle in their path. 'Northampton is going to be an awesome game,' he said. 'They 've won well against Saracens. It will be tough, but it will also be very exciting.

'We made a lot of unforced errors today at times but we also p l ay ed some very exciting rugby. It bodes well for an entertaining match next weekend.'

Leicester were without forwards Neil Back and Dorian West while many first-choice players started on the bench. Richards added: 'I just hope we will be nearer a full strength team by the time we play Northampton.'