Filed under: Rugby Union, Heineken Cup
After toiling throughout the long Heineken Cup campaign, all roads now lead to the Millennium Stadium for the final next month. Just 80 minutes stand between English outfit Northampton Saints, Irish side Leinster and French duo Perpignan and Toulouse and a trip to the Welsh capital. Playing at neutral venues, the semi-finals promise to be tight affairs. Mistakes and moments of magic could make the difference now. But having progressed this far, nobody will want to come a cropper at such a late stage of the competition.LEINSTER V TOULOUSE: AVIVA STADIUM, SATURDAY APRIL 30, 2011. KICK-OFF: 1530 BST
Leinster are so determined to repeat their glorious Heineken Cup victory of 2009 that captain Brian O'Driscoll is even snubbing the Royal wedding.
Once upon a time, defying the future King would have put O'Driscoll in the Tower of London but he is more interested in Saturday's game than any celebrations between Prince William and Kate Middleton.
He told the Guardian: "I have a captain's run on Friday and as big an honour as it was to be invited, I can't ask for team runs to be at 6pm.
"It's a small thing but waking up here, at home on Saturday morning, is really important. I'll be up early enough for breakfast and lounging around, watching Soccer AM.
"I'll make my usual lunch at 12.30. My missus knows to leave me alone. She won't be getting much chat out of me. And then it's off to the game."
And what a game in store. This match should be a classic between two sides who have played some captivating rugby this season.
Toulouse are the favourites simply because they are the four time winners of the competition and have beaten Leinster five times in the competition in the past.
The last time was the 26-16 semi-final win at Le Stadium a year ago and the French side will be hoping for more off the same 12 months on even if they are refusing to take the Irish province lightly.
Toulouse coach Guy Noves said: "This Leinster team is scary. It seems their training is a little stronger than last year and some players have strengthened their squad. I hope we raise our game to compete. We will try not to take a big hammering."
Toulouse top scorer Maxime Medard added: "They're one of the best teams in Europe. They have a fantastic back row and a very good scrum.
"They have experienced and talented players in every position so we'll have to pay attention for every minute - every second we're on the pitch."
Key quote: "In my opinion there are only a couple of teams in Europe that you could class as a complete side - and Leinster are one of those teams," - Toulouse back row forward Shaun Sowerby.
Key stat: Toulouse are appearing in their 10th Heineken Cup semi-final - a record and one more than former double winners Munster.
Key man: O'Driscoll (Leinster): He may not be as quick as he once was but do not underestimate 'BOD' who is still one of the most devastating talents in the world game.
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Source: http://www.fanhouse.co.uk/2011/04/29/heineken-cup-previews-brian-odriscoll-targets-repeat-of-2009-t/
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