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Throughout both sides there are a series of international match ups between truly class players at the absolute top of their game. At hooker, free running David Paice, who's been in splendid form this season, will take the game to the stocky wrecking ball of William Servat. Whilst in the back row it will be interesting to see how Steffon Armitage tries to nullify the real threat of Yannick Nyanga.
The key match up could be in the second row. Nick Kennedy is an absolute giant here for London Irish, and must perform as he did in the quarter final vs Perpignan, where he virtually destroyed the French threat single handed. It won't be easy against the leaping salmon of Patricio Albacete but for Irish to have a chance, he must deliver both on his own throw and when Toulouse have possession. Coupled with the powerhouse battle between Bob Casey and Fabien Pelous in the engine room of the scrum, sparks could really fly, with the outcome possibly deciding which team progresses to the final.
Behind the scrum, the experienced All Black Byron Kelleher, who has so often grabbed a game by the scruff of the neck, will be closely monitored by the pocket rocket of Paul Hodgson, with the latter once again needing to punch above his body weight if Irish are to prevail.
Whilst Vincent Clerc's absence is a real blow for Toulouse, London Irish are sure to still have their hands full trying to contain the mercurial magician, Jean Baptiste Elissalde. Wherever he features, at 9 or 10, he has the ability to run a game for the French team, and so often kills sides with his wily tactical nous and eye for a gap.
Shane Geraghty will need to be as equally influential for Brian Smith's side, especially if Mike Catt doesn't make the starting line up through injury. You'd have to feel for 'Catty' if he's unable to feature, especially after such an inspirational cameo in the quarter final. You can be sure the boys from South West London will be doing all they can to ensure he has another crack at the biggest prize in club rugby come the final on 24th May, ten years after he first picked up the cup with Bath.
London Irish go in as underdogs and will need to control their emotions on the day if they are to reach their first ever final. Toulouse are by no means invincible and the unpredictability of this competition means that I certainly wouldn't want to call the winner. Hold on to your hats, it's sure to be a belter.
