Tuqiri eager to face Boks

BBC Sports - Thursday, November 05, 2009 8:42 PM

Australian winger Lote Tuqiri hopes to make his Leicester debut against South Africa from the bench on Friday.

Tuqiri joined the Tigers this week and will be among the replacements for the glamour friendly at Welford Road.

"I thought I'd got away from the South Africans but first game back and they stick me up against the world champions," Tuqiri told BBC Sport.

"Hopefully Cockers [head coach Richard Cockerill] will throw me in there somewhere and I'll see how I go."

Tuqiri has played 67 Tests for the Wallabies but has had a number of disciplinary issues.

He had his contract with Australian Rugby Union cancelled in July, although the details were not revealed for legal reasons.

However Tuqiri is eager to put his recent troubles behind him and is relishing the new challenge in England.

"I live for the big stage and Leicester are a big club," the former New South Wales Waratahs man added. "At this time in my career, I want to be in a competitive team and Leicester is that.

"Leicester as a club has to take a pat on the back, they have a real good name internationally.

They have a great following and I experienced that the other night against Northampton.

"I walked around the stadium and got some funny looks from fans thinking is it or isn't it, but a few thought it was me and said good luck and welcome. The fans have been great so far."

The game, which is South Africa's first match of their autumn tour, kicks off at 1930 GMT.