D'Arcy prepares for Toulouse battle

Victory over Leicester in the quarter-final set up a re-run of last year's last-four tie when Toulouse brought Leinster's title defence to an end and went on to lift the trophy, beating Biarritz in the final at the Stade de France.

While the reigning champions hope to extend their Heineken record, winning the competition for a fifth time, the Irish province are hoping history does not repeat itself and D'Arcy understands the test his team faces even if Leinster have been cast as favourites.

"It's still Toulouse," he told the Irish Independent.

"Rupeni Caucaunibuca was playing at the weekend; he hasn't played for four or five games. He'd walk into any team in Europe yet he's one of their rotational guys. It just shows the strength of depth in their squad.

"They're the team that everybody wants to beat, year in year out. They've won the most trophies.

"We can't look for any excuses; we'll take them at face value and have to bring our 'A' game."

"We just need to worry about ourselves. I know myself, if I'm lucky to play, if I win my individual battle, then I can contribute to the team.

"Everyone needs to have that mindset and perform that little bit better than the guy you're playing against.

"I think Toulouse are going to be a step up on Leicester. Toulouse are probably more of a complete team. They have more impact off the bench.

"If the Leicester game was of an international standard, this will be even more so, like a World Cup knock-out match or something more physically demanding."