European Cup/Leicester v Wasps: Matt Dawson may have complained he was "roughed up" by his opposite number Harry Ellis but there is little doubt the London Wasps and England scrumhalf can expect another bruising contest tomorrow.

"He is the opposition number nine," said Tigers' coach John Wells. "It's no different to the pressure they put on Harry. We just did not make a fuss of it, that's all. We've known Matt for some considerable time and regard him as an exceptional player at club and international level. This club has always had battles with him and what happened last week on the pitch and afterwards was not unexpected."

Ellis has maintained a diplomatic silence about his contretemps with a rival for the England shirt but two of his senior colleagues, Martin Johnson and Neil Back, make no secret of the fact they relish the game's capacity for blood and thunder. "It was a good advert for full-blooded European rugby," said Johnson, the Tigers captain. "It was about two teams trying to impose themselves on each other."

Evidence of Back's participation in what has been described as one of the most memorable club games in living memory is apparent in the nicks on his face and ears. The 35-year-old, however, would not have it any other way. "It was bit brutal, a bit physical and you enjoy those sort of games," he said. "It's not difficult to get physical with players you know. When you know your opponents well there's always a bit of banter. But that's part of the game and why we love it."

Back will take his place in a team that shows one change from the side that won 37-31 at the Causeway, with Ben Kay taking over from Louis Deacon in the second row. It will be the 28-year-old England lock's first game for Tigers since the Premiership meeting with Gloucester at the beginning of last month.

"It's a bit of fresh legs, a bit of a different challenge for Wasps," said Wells, who does not believe his side has gained a psychological edge from their victory.

"We're playing one of the best teams in Europe and they can turn up and play anywhere. We've done it and can do it. Wasps have been doing it for the last two years."

Wasps have never won at Welford Road while rugby director Warren Gatland has been in charge. After losing that epic last weekend, Wasps will face an early exit if they cannot turn the tables. "As director of rugby for Wasps, one of the grounds I have yet to win at is Welford Road," said Gatland. "I would love to cross that ground off my 'to do list' on Sunday.

"Over the past 12 months, we have won away at Perpignan, Bath, Gloucester, Northampton and against Munster at Lansdowne Road, grounds that are very intimidating for any away club.

"For some reason, the Wasps players enjoy going into these places and rising to the challenge. We need to rise to that occasion again this Sunday, and hopefully play our game of the season."

If Wasps lose tomorrow, then they would have to win their last two games - including Biarritz away - while also hoping that other results work for them.

"It is strange to think that we are still in the pool stages of this competition, yet this game is like a final," said Gatland. "We know what we have to do, it's just a case of making sure we execute it.

"I feel we are going into the game quietly confident that if we don't panic and we stick to our game plan, we can win."