Rugby Football Union - Danny eyes Tigers in Cup semis

Danny eyes Tigers in Cup semis

by Dave Barton


	EDF Energy Cup

MAN-of-the-moment Danny Cipriani admitted that his London Wasps side face a “massive” challenge against holders Leicester Tigers in this season's EDF Energy Cup semi-finals.

This afternoon's live draw on BBC 2 paired the Wasps and Tigers at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday March 22 (2.30pm), with Saracens meeting Ospreys in the other semi-final the same day (5.15pm).

Fly-half Cipriani, who has been lighting up the Guinness Premiership and Heineken Cup, shone in Saturday's 24-6 Rd 3 victory over Newcastle Falcons.

And he said: "It would be difficult against any of those three teams but playing against Leicester, with Martin Corry and those guys…it's going to be a massive day, just like last year's Heineken Cup final."


Danny Cipriani photo by RFU

London Wasps Director of Rugby Ian McGeechan added: "We are delighted to be in another semi-final and we will be looking forward to meeting Leicester at the Millennium Stadium in March. The knock-out stages are always great occasions, and having three English clubs getting through shows the current good health of the Guinness Premiership

"The semis will be contested by four quality sides, who will all contribute to a very exciting day of rugby for players and supporters alike, and playing Leicester is going to be a massive challenge for us.”

Leicester Tigers captain Corry, who lifted the trophy at Twickenham last season, said: “We are obviously delighted to top the pool after three tough games. We are in the semi-finals again and that means another big day at the Millennium Stadium.

“We are the defending champions and we want to keep our grip on the trophy for as long as possible but I’m sure the other three semi-finalists will be thinking they can go all the way too.”

Last season’s beaten finalists Ospreys will be flying the flag for Wales again and Gavin Henson, who scored all the points in the 19-8 victory over Harlequins at the Twickenham Stoop this afternoon, said: “It should be a good day out at the Millennium Stadium. We did well last year but we want to go one step further.”

Head Coach Lyn Jones added: “It’s good for the competition that there is a Welsh element. We are delighted to be there and we are looking forward to facing Saracens. We are certainly not underestimating the challenge they are going to pose us.”

Saracens were thankful to England’s Andy Farrell for two late penalties in the 36-32 defeat to Llanelli Scarlets that secured the two bonus points needed to top Pool D.

“Ospreys are a quality side packed with internationals and it’s going to be a very tough test for us,” said Saracens Director of Rugby Alan Gafney.

“Being the only Welsh team involved is going to give them an extra incentive and undoubtedly the home support which is something else we have to contend with. We are going to put it on the back-burner for a few months but it’s great to know that we are going to have an en exciting day out in Cardiff in March.”

EDF Energy Cup semi-final draw

Leicester Tigers v London Wasps

Saracens v Ospreys

NB: The order of play for the semi-finals will be decided following consultation with the BBC.

SF1 Saturday March 22 2008, 2.30pm, Millennium Stadium (Live on BBC 1)

SF2 Saturday March 22, 2008, 5.15pm, Millennium Stadium (Live on BBC 2)

EDF Energy Cup Final

Saturday April 12, 2008, 2.30pm, Twickenham Stadium (Live on BBC Network)