Tuilagi Steps into the Breach

"Losing Martin is obviously a big blow but Henry brings different strengths to the team and we just have to get on with it," said Leicester coach John Wells. "Both ourselves and Toulouse have had similar issues this week and we have tried to be bold in our selection, and we have got the best possible side available to us out on the pitch.

"Toulouse have a superb squad of players and from one to 22 they are pure quality. "

Toulouse, who have also won the trophy twice, will be without their captain Fabien Pelous through injury.
More than 30,000 Tiger fans will give the French club a massive psychological hurdle to overcome.

"It's always better to play in front of your own supporters and we have been lucky enough to play our previous semi-finals at home so it is probably time we had to travel abroad," said Toulouse coach Guy Noves.

"We haven't thought about winning the Heineken Cup for a third time, we haven't looked beyond the semi-final with Leicester because to do that would show a lack or respect for them."

Frederic Michalak will captain the side in the absence of Pelous, and said: "If the weather is good it will enable both teams to play a more open game and we expect a very hard and physical match. We hope we can react to whatever Leicester throw at us.!"