Leicester boss Dean Richards is braced for a mighty Munster challenge in Sunday's Heineken Cup quarter-final showdown at Welford Road.
Holders Leicester are chasing an unprecedented hat-trick of Heineken Cup triumphs, having lifted the trophy in 2001 and 2002.
Munster though, beaten finalists twice during the past three seasons, are dangerous opponents and strong enough to burst Leicester's European bubble.
They also have added motivation following last season's Millennium Stadium final, when Leicester beat them 15-9 after a controversial finale.
England flanker Neil Back's illegal hand-in-the-scrum manoeuvre, which denied Munster a menacing attacking platform during the closing moments, has not been forgotten.
And Richards knows that his team must hit the heights to keep alive their European dream.
"This is probably the pick of the quarter-final draw, and we are very much looking forward to what is going to be a very interesting game especially considering the final last year," Richards said.
"We learnt a reasonable amount about Munster at last year's final, but at the same time, so many things have changed. They have new personnel, and this year they are a totally different side.
"Munster's strength is that they are a good all-round team, with quality half-backs in Peter Stringer and Ronan O'Gara, while their pack is very efficient, competing well at the breakdown, with a sound scrum and good lineout.
"But I think they will approach it slightly differently from the final, in that they feel they have to get one over on us."
"The atmosphere at Welford Road will be second to none on Sunday. It will be a great occasion, and hopefully, it will be a great spectacle of rugby."
Munster coach Alan Gaffney, has already experienced Heineken Cup heartbreak at Leicester's expense.
Although Gaffney is in his first season at Munster, he was Leinster's assistant coach when Leicester knocked them out during the quarter-finals last season.
"I guess that you could say I have struck a double whammy with this quarter-final draw," Gaffney said.
"Both Leicester and Munster have had very good years to date though Leicester probably not so much as normal within the Zurich Premiership but they are always a great force to be reckoned with, as is evident by the contribution they make to the England national team.
"Playing at Welford Road is an enormous advantage to Leicester, but Munster have proved they can travel well.
"Our preparations have been quite sound, yet just like Leicester, there are a number of players who are battered and bruised from the recent international games.
"Maybe the side that wins the game will need that little bit of luck, the rub of the green, on the day."
PA