Shaw fitness boosts Wasps ahead of showdown

WASPS second row Simon Shaw has been given the green light to play in Sunday's Heineken Cup semi-final showdown with Munster.

The England forward, a key component of Wasps' pack, underwent a scan yesterday after sustaining an injury against Leeds last weekend.

After coming on as a substitute he became the victim of a stamping incident.

Shaw's injury was initially thought to be bruised ribs but his discomfort after the game raised fears he may have damaged his spleen.

But the results of a scan have erased doubts over his fitness and he is available for the trip to Dublin.

"Losing Simon would have been a huge blow for us so we're delighted that he's been given the all-clear. He's a crucial part of the team," said Wasps director of rugby Warren Gatland.

Shaw missed out on selection for England's World Cup campaign but eventually replaced the injured Danny Grewcock.

"Playing at a packed Lansdowne Road, where most of the fans will be supporting Munster, is something we'll relish," said Gatland.

"There is no trepidation among the players over the task facing us on Sunday it's a massive challenge and the team will respond to it.

"If we play to our potential then we can beat Munster and that's what we're setting out to do. They are the heart and soul of the Ireland side, so we're familiar with them.

"We know their strengths and weaknesses and will look to exploit them."

Meanwhile, Harlequins hooker Tani Fuga will miss the rest of this season after being banned for stamping on an opponent.

The 30-year-old Samoan international was cited by Connacht following an incident during Quins' 31-22 Parker Pen Challenge Cup semi-final, first leg win earlier this month.

And he has received a seven-week suspension following a disciplinary hearing in Dublin.

The ban will not expire until June 9, ruling Fuga out of Sunday's return leg in Galway, plus Zurich Premiership games, possible play-off fixtures and a potential Parker Pen Cup final.

It also gives Quins problems at hooker, because Fuga's replacement Ace Tiatia is sidelined with an ankle injury. James Hayter is likely to start against Connacht.