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"To have a winner takes all situation so early in the competition puts both teams under pressure," said Richards, who captained Leicester Tigers in the 1996 Heineken Cup final and then, as Director of Rugby, guided them to back-to-back Heineken Cup titles in 2001 and 2002
"After the draw at the weekend with Leeds the away match is certainly going to be very interesting.
"The fact that I don't think we played as well as we are capable of - and that the Leeds boys also felt they underperformed - suggests that, hopefully, there will be some good rugby played.
"We did pick up one injury during the game but otherwise we should have a full strength team to go to Headingley.
"And, although I am more used to being involved in the Heineken Cup, the European Challenge Cup tournament offers an opportunity to experience international rugby which I feel is very important for a team's development.
"For me it comes down to having high expectations and a keen desire to win whatever competition one finds oneself in at the beginning of a season.
"At the moment we are 10th in the French Championship and the re-organisation of the French League means there will be more pressure to perform domestically.
"However this is not going to force decisions until we are closer to the end of the season. If we are still in the European Challenge Cup at the quarter-finals and semi-finals stages there will not only be silverware to play for but, equally importantly, will be the place in the Heineken Cup next year.
"If it comes to that it will be a difficult time for me to choose my priorities."
