Lote Tuqiri enjoyed a memorable first game for Leicester after the English side stunned South Africa 22-17 as the world champions suffered a dismal start to their northern hemisphere tour.

The former Wallabies winger, who signed a lucrative short-term deal with the Tigers last week, came off the bench to play the last 20 minutes in a memorable night at Welford Road.

Leicester were missing six England internationals, but they overcame that handicap as well as conceding an early try to defeat a second-string Springboks side.

Jongi Nokwe's eighth-minute try had put the tourists 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.