Guinness Premiership champions Tigers take on world champions South Africa to celebrate the official opening of the new Caterpillar Stand.
Ralepelle, 23, will captain the Springboks from the front row and is expecting a tough test in front of a capacity 24,000 crowd.
“I am looking forward to this big clash,” he said. “We are expecting a very physical clash from a Leicester side that has been doing well all season round.
“Leicester are a very competitive side. You can see the depth they have in the side is immense.
“For us it is just like facing an international side because they have players from all over the world. It is going to be a big game and a very physical game.”
He added: “For me to lead the side is a huge honour. They really know their role and responsibility on the field so there is not much for me to worry about except focussing on my own game and taking guys forward.”
South Africa have included 11 uncapped players in their 22-man squad for tonight’s game and assistant coach Dick Muir said the game could mark the start of a bright future for them.
“I think there is a massive excitement,” Muir said. “To pull on a Springbok jersey for the first time for any one of those players is huge.
“These guys have worked incredibly hard and the ultimate thing is for them to put on the jersey and play against a side like Leicester, who we have huge respect for.
“They are one of the traditional clubs that are tough. They have got their home-grown players and they are also littered with internationals all over the show and guys that we regard very highly. Guys like Aaron Mauger and Scott Hamilton are world class players and to throw in a Lote Tuqiri just crowns it off.
“For our guys the challenge is massive but this is the start of a bright future for a lot of them.”
Muir added: “Where will the game be won? It will start up front. We have a formidable front row and so do Leicester. It’s going to be a tough battle.
“Leicester have been renowned for being able to mix it up up-front. We have some young guns who need to stand up and front up and take on the challenge.”
