London Irish coach Brian Smith has described his side and triple Heineken Cup winners Toulouse as romantics because of their shared appreciation of the beautiful game
"In terms of clubs we're romantics. We believe we can still play expansive rugby, the beautiful game if you like, he said.
Smith is clearly a fan of the Toulouse style of play and he says he has held up the Toulouse approach as a standard he sets for his team.
"They play an off-load game they try and attack. They have been a pin up team for London Irish. We have played then twice in recent seasons and really enjoyed the games.
"I think both teams appreciate each other in terms of how we play the game. Smith's side were prolific in the Pool stage, scoring 25 tries in their six games before a controlled performance against Perpignan in the quarter-finals set up the clash with Toulouse.
"We were very good against Perpignan I thought we controlled that match very well and we thoroughly deserve our spot in the last four," said the Australian.
"We have got ourselves into the semi-final be having good set piece possession, particularly in the lineout. Our defence has been excellent, we are good at keeping teams tryless.
"We have an outstanding goal kicker, a wonderful back three and midfield player in Mapasua, Geherty and Catt who are World class.
But despite his confidence in his side, Smith sounded a cautionary note "In order for us to beat Toulouse we are going to have to front up with our A game," he said.
But that caution is by no means dampeneing his enthusiasm for the biggest game the club's history "You'd have to be dead not be up for this fixture," he concluded.
