Leinster unchanged for semi-final

Shane Horgan is eager to clinch a second Heineken Cup success

Leinster will take on champions Toulouse in the Heineken Cup semi-final with the same team that defeated Leicester at the last eight stage.

The line-up includes wing Shane Horgan, who is targeting a repeat of the Irish side’s 2009 triumph.

“After tasting success a couple of years ago all you want to do is replicate that,” said Horgan.

Yannick Nyanga, Jean-Marc Doussain, Jean-Baptiste Poux and Yoann Maestri come into the Toulouse team.

There are six Ireland internationals in the Leinster pack, which includes skipper Leo Cullen and Ireland props Cian Healy and Mike Ross.

Leinster will be out for revenge in Dublin after losing to Toulouse in the semi-finals.

“Last season was trophy-less and that really hurt and that is still in the back of our minds,” added Irish international Horgan.

“We have the same desire as ever to win the competition and we would do anything to achieve it.

“The season has gone very well so far, but that means nothing and we have to go out and perform against Toulouse.

“We have got home advantage and of course you would take that every time but we still have to go out and play our rugby.

“We have got massive respect for Toulouse and we know they are dangerous right across the field.

“There will be lots of individual battles going on and we need to ensure we don’t give them the time and space to play.”

And although Leinster start as marginal favourites, Toulouse’s tournament pedigree – they have won 19 from 27 Heineken knockout matches – suggests a fearsome tussle.

“We are expecting a big battle, especially up-front,” said Toulouse’s former Saracens prop Census Johnston.

“We did well in Europe last year and it set-up a platform for us. Even though we have targeted the Heineken Cup again this year, we know they (Leinster) will be doing the same.

“They have put in some strong performances and have been working hard, so we know it is going to be a challenge.

“We all know what is ahead of us. It’s going to be a terrific atmosphere in front of 50,000 supporters in a stadium we haven’t played in before.

“It’s a huge test playing away from home, but we will have to rise to that.

“We have been watching Leinster this week and they have threats all over the pitch. They are a team that plays a lot of open running rugby like us, so it is going to come down to defence on the day.”

Leinster: I Nacewa; S Horgan, B O’Driscoll, G D’Arcy, L Fitzgerald; J Sexton, E Reddan; C Healy, R Strauss, M Ross, L Cullen (captain), N Hines, K McLaughlin, S O’Brien, J Heaslip.

Replacements: J Harris-Wright, H Van Der Merwe, S Wright, D Toner, S Jennings, I Boss, I Madigan, F McFadden.

Toulouse: C Heymans; V Clerc, F Fritz, C Poitrenaud, M Medard; D Skrela, J Doussain; J-B Poux, W Servat, C Johnston, Y Maestri, P Albacete, J Bouilhou (captain), Y Nyanga, L Picamoles.

Replacements: V Lacombe, D Human, J Falefa, T Dusautoir, N Bezy, Y Jauzion, S Sowerby, G Lamboley or R Caucaunibuca.