Lewis Moody admitted Leicester Tigers will have to overcome the toughest hurdle of their season if they are to clinch a place in the Heineken Cup final.

Fit-again Moody and his team-mates tackle EDF Energy Cup winners Cardiff Blues in the semi-final at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday.

"It will be toughest game we've had so far this season and we've played a lot of good sides," said Moody.

"We've had a lot of close games and Cardiff over the years have always been a side that have pushed us right to the limit. I think that will be the same this time around.

"They are certainly in a better vein of form than when we have played them in previous years."

Tigers can expect to face a partisan crowd but Moody does not believe that will have an effect on their performance.

He said: "People talk about an intense crowd and the stadium but a pitch is a pitch and, at the end of the day, the crowd disappears when the game starts and you get on with your game in hand."