They still play the opening riff to Smoke on the Water by Deep Purple whenever Leicester run out at home. Coincidentally it was released in the first week of May some 49 years ago and it also feels a long time since the Tigers last hosted a more thunderous European knockout fixture. Saturday’s quarter-final against Leinster seems unlikely to involve much peace or love.
It takes more than a few pumped-up supporters, clearly, to beat one of Europe’s classiest sides but, equally, there is no question the Premiership leaders quietly fancy their chances inside their own noisily atmospheric lair. Drag the visitors from their comfort zone, hassle them in possession, kick smartly and turn the forward screw and maybe Leicester can dare to dream about making only their second Champions Cup semi‑final since 2009.
