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.

“I was very concerned that the injury would not let me play in the semi-final,” said Shaw.

“I took anti-inflammatories all week, a couple of painkillers and had strapping, plus padding over the area and I got through on adrenaline. You could say it was a gutsy run out, but the whole team were responsible for this result.

“This was a big collective effort built on tremendous camaraderie that exists in all areas of the club and I didn’t want to let anyone down. Once I knew it wasn’t the spleen then I was desperate to play. It was right up there with international rugby in terms of the standard of play and intensity.

“What makes it different is that you are out there playing in an amazing atmosphere alongside mates you are with every day.”

Captain Lawrence Dallaglio was not interested in Munster claims that Leota’s score was dubious and pointed out that the two Irish tries also had question marks hanging over them.

“We haven’t won anything yet but have the chance to reach two finals. It would be a shame to come this far and not win anything.

“We had to go into a bear pit and it was a gladiatorial situation and we were too pumped up at the start.”

Try scorer Paul Volley, who will join Castres at the end of the season, said: “When we were in a huddle under our posts having conceded two tries in as many second-half minutes, all that was being said was ‘we are not going to lose this game’. That was the message.”