Rugby Parma v Leeds Carnegie: Leeds on their guard as they attempt to set up winner-takes-all finale in Europe

They face Rugby Parma knowing victory will put them in pole position to proceed from Pool One into the European Amlin Challenge Cup quarter-finals.

A 37-13 success over the Italians at Headingley in October leaves them confident but coach Neil Back is also aware their hosts have since stunned much-fancied French outfit Bourgoin.

"We will never underestimate any opposition," insisted Back, not needing to remind his squad of their awful no-show in the EDF National Trophy final at Twickenham last April.

"We learned a hard lesson playing Moseley in that final.

"We should have won by 50 points but went there collectively with the wrong attitude and paid the price.

"That was a valuable lesson for the squad and there's no way we'll underestimate Parma. We know what they can do if we do."

Back reiterated the club's primary objective has to be staying in the Guinness Premiership, demonstrated by the squad selected for this afternoon's game.

Scott Barrow and Richard Welding are both fit after injuries but will not be risked ahead of their crucial league outing against Saracens.

Fringe players Jon Goodridge, Pete Bucknall, Phil Murphy, Tom Denton, Jacob Rowan and Phil Swainston all make their first appearances since the European away game at Bucuresti Oaks on December 12.

However, first-choice fly-half Ceiron Thomas is back from a rib problem and scrum-half Joe Bedford returns after injuring his leg against Bourgoin in October.

Jonny Hepworth is also recalled on the wing and Back knows the chance to progress is easily within touching distance, despite Bourgoin going five points clear with Thursday's victory over Bucuresti.

"This competition was always a case of if we are in a position to challenge, we'll go for it," he said. "That's where we now find ourselves. We know a good win will bring up a winners-takes-all game at home to Bourgoin."

It is that simple for Leeds who, having seen last Saturday's Premiership trip to Harlequins postponed, are just desperate to actually get on the field against anyone – even themselves.

"Our last two A League games have been cancelled too so we had a bit of a full-on hit-out last week," explained Back. "They knocked lumps out of each other for 10 minutes then I told them to save it for this opposition."