Shaw fit to face Munster

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’ juggernaut pack, underwent a scan earlier this afternoon after sustaining an injury while on Zurich Premiership duty against Leeds last weekend.

Shaw started the game on the bench but came on midway through the second half when the match was evenly balanced, eventually helping his side to a crucial 11-7 victory at Headingley.

The 30-year-old’s appearance did not pass without controversy, however, after he became the victim of a stamping incident which was initially flagged by the linesman before the official changed his mind.

Shaw’s injury was initially thought to be little more than bruised ribs but his continued discomfort after the game – he played-on until the final whistle - raised fears he may have damaged his spleen.

But the results of today’s 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.

Although not the greatest line-out operator in English rugby, at 6’9” and 19 stones Shaw provides the Premiership champions’ all-conquering pack with a huge physical presence.

He was desperately unlucky to miss out on initial selection for England’s World Cup campaign but eventually made the trip to Australia as a replacement for the injured Danny Grewcock.

Shaw’s uncompromising style has earnt him many admirers with former All Black coach John Mitchell recently describing him as the ideal player to replace Martin Johnson, who retired from international rugby earlier this year.

His availability is a massive boost for Gatland who will need all the club’s heavy artillery in action to overcome Heineken Cup giants Munster.

Some 45,000 Irish fans are expected at Lansdowne Road to cheer on the two-time tournament runners-up while Wasps claim to be taking around 2,500 supporters.

But Lawrence Dallaglio and co are no strangers to intimidating atmospheres - they travelled to the proud Catalonian town of Perpignan in February for their final pool match and triumphed 36-4.

“We were delighted when we beat Gloucester in the quarter-finals because playing at a packed Landsdowne Road where most of the fans will be supporting Munster is something we’ll relish,” said Gatland.

“It was a daunting task going to Perpignan but we came through that well. 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.”