Gleeson looks forward to Toulouse challenge

Leinster, who brushed aside Bath 35-23 on Sunday to advance to the knockout stages, could clinch an all-Irish semi-final if they register a shock victory against Toulouse.

Today's Heineken Cup semi-final draw has placed Munster against Perpignan, the weakest of the French teams, at Lansdowne Road to set up the clash with their bitter rivals, which would also take place in Dublin.

Leinster and Ireland flanker Keith Gleeson admits beating three-times tournament winners Toulouse is an enormous challenge but could not help casting an eye on the possible showdown at Lansdowne Road.

He said: “I think if we beat Toulouse we will have earned ourselves a home tie but the match against Toulouse promises to be a great game of rugby.

“This will be the second time that Munster will be looking to Leinster for a favour following what happened in the final round of group matches.

“We’ve had a couple of ups and downs in Europe over the last couple of years but Saturday’s victory over Bath was another step in the right direction.”

Toulouse remained on course to reach a fourth consecutive Heineken Cup final.

The reigning European champions and tournament favourites will face either Munster or Perpignan on French soil should they overcome Leinster in their last eight clash.

Flanker Finau Maka said: “We couldn’t have asked for anything better than a home quarter-final and then the advantage of a home semi-final.”

Sale will set-up an all-English semi-final against Leicester or Bath should they beat Biarritz in the quarter-finals.

The Guinness Premiership leaders and Biarritz were matched against the winners of the Welford Road clash in the draw at the Millennium Stadium, the venue for the final on Saturday May 20.

Leon Lloyd, who has won two Heineken Cups with Leicester, said: “There is a great history between Leicester and Bath but this is the first time we have met in Europe so it will be a massive game.

“We would have preferred a home draw for the semi-final but it all comes down to who performs on the day.”

Sale, destroyed 31-9 by Munster at Thomond Park on Saturday, face an enormous challenge if they are to overcome second favourites Biarritz.

The French giants, who have never reached the final, will play the Sharks in San Sebastien, Spain, the home of the 32,000 capacity Estadio Aoeta.

Should Sale progress they will guarantee English inclusion in the final with the bookies’ third favourites Leicester their most likely opponents.

Should the semis follow the form book Toulouse will meet Biarritz in the final in what would become the third all-French Heineken Cup showpiece of the last four seasons.

Both semis will be played at neutral venues in the country of the team drawn at home and must be staged at a stadium with a capacity of over 20,000.

All matches are to be played on the weekend of April 22/23.