Leicester Tigers clinched a famous 22-17 win over world champions South Africa at Welford Road on Friday as the mighty Springboks suffered a dismal start to their northern hemisphere tour.

Leicester were missing six England internationals, but they overcame that handicap as well as conceding an early try to defeat the world and Tri-Nations champions.

The match was also a triumphant debut for former Wallabies star Lote Tuqiri, who received a huge response from the Leicester fans when he came onto the field for the first time.

Jongi Nokwe's eighth-minute try had put the Springboks in charge but the Tigers hit back with a try from Argentina international Lucas Amorosino while 17 points from the boot of scrum-half Ben Youngs proved crucial.

A couple of late penalties from Ruan Pienaar brought the Springboks to within a score but the Leicester defence held firm.