Shaw breaks pain barrier for Wasps

WASPS’ Simon Shaw revealed that he strapped up his damaged ribs, downed anti-inflammatory-pills and put his faith in pain killing sprays to help power his side past Munster and into their first Heineken Cup final against Toulouse on May 23rd.

The England lock needed a hospital scan to clear up fears of serious spleen damage in midweek and had to avoid any physical contact before facing Munster and their highly-rated locks Paul O’Connell and Donncha O’Callaghan in a semi-final that was as brutally hard as any international match.

Now, Shaw will have to be protected to ensure Wasps’ 6ft 9in forward can play a key role in the final against Toulouse and a possible Zurich title play-off against Bath six days later at Twickenham.