Leicester stun Springboks 22-17

LONDON, Nov. 6 (Reuters) - Premiership champions Leicester pulled off a stunning upset on Friday when they beat a South Africa XV 22-17 on a memorable night at Welford Road.

The world champions, who arrived in Europe on the back of a series win over the British and Irish Lions and as Tri-Nations holders, were without many of their established players but still fielded a strong side.

Leicester too were below-strength with a dozen players on England duty or injured and trailed 8-0 early on after a Jongi Nokwe try.

However, a superb counter-attacking try by Argentina wing Lucas Amorosino and 17 points from the boot of 20-year-old scrumhalf Ben Youngs had Leicester fans in rugby heaven and, despite two penalties by Ruan Pienaar, England's must successful club held on for one of their most famous victories.

South Africa's first team faces France on Nov. 13 before going on to play Italy and Ireland.

(Reporting by Mitch Phillips, editing by Pritha Sarkar; To comment on this story: sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)