Leicester Tigers acting skipper Aaron Mauger says new recruit Lote Tuqiri has the X-Factor.

Mauger has praised the club's ambition in bringing the 30-year-old Australian to Welford Road.

Tuqiri took part in his first training sessions with Tigers this week and Mauger said: "He's definitely got that X-Factor – the sort of guy that can unlock a defence and win you a game.

"He's very good at dealing with the high ball, he's strong on his feet and he can move away from opponents. He is an intelligent footballer."

Tuqiri has signed a short-term contract at Welford Road which is understood to run out before the end of the season, although the former NSW Waratahs player has indicated he would like to stay until the end of the season.

Mauger has locked horns against Tuqiri on the international stage, and says it will be interesting to see how he copes with the domestic competitions.

Mauger said: "The teams kick a lot over here and we probably do it as well and I'm not sure what Lote's kicking game is like. But we've not been as accurate in dealing with the high ball as we would like to be and he is very good in that area."

Mauger will play at fly-half and lead out Tigers against South Africa in front of a sell-out crowd at Welford Road tomorrow and he said: "It's a huge occasion for the club to be facing the world champions but, if we play well enough, we're in with a chance. They have to be matched physically, and it won't be easy. They have some good athletes and good ball-carriers.

"The way they are hardened and conditioned to play the game will make it difficult for us, so we have got to deny them the ball and try to control the game."

Mauger can point to a good record against the Springboks, facing them 10 times in an All-Blacks shirt and prevailing seven times.

"I've always enjoyed the physical battle against them and they have been close games. I can recall only one year when we put a few points on them (52-16 in 2003).

"Probably the one that I remember the most was my first game in Durban when we won and I scored our last try.

"That was the match when a fan ran on the pitch and attacked the referee (David McHugh)."

Tigers are also in action on Sunday with an LV Cup clash at Leeds and coach Richard Cockerill has a long casualty list.

Mauger said: "It is going to be a huge ask for the squad over the two games so there will be a few sore bodies at the end of the weekend."

Mauger's return to action after a month's lay-off with a groin injury coincided with Tigers' 29-15 victory against Northampton Saints. He said: "I always targeted the Saints game to be back and now it's a case of managing the groin and making sure it continues to strengthen so I can play out the rest of the season.

"It's been a frustrating month. I tried to come back too early and pushed myself too hard, but the conditioning staff have been great and got me to where I am now."