Leicester Tigers' interest in the Super 15 knockout stages in the southern hemisphere will be focused on new signings Mike Fitzgerald and Peter Betham.While Aaron Mauger ended his Crusaders career with a 37-24 victory over the Brumbies in Canberra before preparing for his new role as head coach at Tigers this summer, new signings Fitzgerald (Chiefs) and Betham (Waratahs) continue their season into the play-off stages.   Second-rower Fitzgerald was in a Chiefs squad beaten by the Hurricanes on Saturday but they still progress to the qualifying stages and face the Highlanders this weekend.   The winners of that fixture, and the one between the Stormers and the Brumbies, will join the Hurricanes and Waratahs in the semi-finals.   Betham started on the wing for the Waratahs in their 31-5 win over Queensland Reds which gave them top spot in the Australian conference and second ranking overall to earn home advantage in Sydney in the semi-finals.   Kiwi flanker Brendon O’Connor, also on his way to Welford Road this summer, was a regular starter in the Blues’ campaign which ended with defeat by the Highlanders on Friday.