Dan Cole backing wounded Leicester Tigers to uphold proud play-off record

Leicester Tigers v Northampton Saints
The knockout phase of the Aviva Premiership season does not officially begin until the play-off semi-finals next weekend, but Leicester feel as though they have been playing knockout rugby for some time.

Since their defeat away to Saracens last month, the Tigers have known that one more loss could mean a failure to qualify for the play-offs for the first time since 2004.

In front of a crowd of 32,019 at the Ricoh Arena, their 26-21 victory over Wasps last Saturday had a sudden-death feel to it.

Back at Welford Road today, Leicester take on a weakened…