Heineken Cup: Richards expects a tough test
Dean Richards insists his Leicester side will have their work cut out to reach the Heineken Cup final after being matched against Gloucester in the last four.
The Tigers, nine points clear in the Premiership as they go for a hat-trick of league titles, were beaten European finalists in 1997 while Gloucester are in the tournament for the first time.
But Leicester director of rugby Richards believes form will count for nothing when the two sides clash on the weekend of April 21-22, with venues to be decided at a later date.
"Some people will say we have got the easiest draw but I think it is the hardest," he said.
"Any neutral venue in England will be neutral to both of us so there is no advantage to Leicester.
"Whatever stadium we play in it will be full to capacity with both teams so well supported."
Gloucester captain Kingsley Jones echoed Richards' comments as he said: "Both teams know each other very well.
"We both have very strong packs and of course it is going to be a very physical game as well as a battle of wits.
"We were looking for a home draw and thankfully we have missed a trip to either France or Ireland, so we are quietly pleased. Now we know what we have to face and we can focus on that."
