Mauger has made a big impact at Welford Road (Getty Images)

Leicester's Aaron Mauger says his side cannot let their rivalry with Wasps affect them when the sides meet in Saturday's EDF Energy Cup semi-final.

Mauger has missed the last three games with a hamstring injury but is set to return at the Millennium Stadium.

The All Blacks centre says Saturday's game will be a "massive occasion".

But he told BBC Radio Leicester: "We can't let the rivalry get in the way of the gameplan. We are relaxed, but aware of the challenge."

Interview: Leicester centre Aaron Mauger

Interview: Leicester and England flanker Tom Croft

Interview: Leicester Tigers coach Marcelo Loffreda

Interview: Leicester Tigers back Johne Murphy

Leicester are the defending champions and have won their last four semi-final matches in all competitions.

The boys are excited, there's a buzz in the camp Aaron Mauger

But their last semi-final defeat came against Wasps at the Millennium Stadium in March 2006.

The Tigers will also be looking for revenge for last season's Heineken Cup final defeat.

"That's still in the back of a few of the guys' minds but you can't let that get in the way of what you are trying to achieve.

"The boys are excited, there's a buzz in the camp."