Jonny Wilkinson starred for Toulon as they kept their European Cup hopes alive after disposing of Leicester 21-15 on Sunday, while twice winners Munster also progressed to the semi-finals after an 18-12 win at Harlequins.
Wilkinson outscored former England teammate Toby Flood in a battle of the boot between past and present international fly-halves as the French Top 14 leaders squeezed past two-time champions Leicester.
“I have lots of experience of playing against Leicester who are a good, good team and capable of winning everywhere with their strength,” said Wilkinson, who slotted over all six of his penalties.
“They can control matches. We had to maintain the effort and discipline during the match…and remain solid for 80 minutes.
“There are good European teams (in this stage of the competition), to be in the semis is a real pleasure. But the next game will be even harder,” added the ex-England star.
Toulon will next travel to Twickenham on April 28 to face English Premiership pacesetters Saracens, who recorded a 27-16 victory at home to Irish side Ulster on Saturday, for a place in the final.
Earlier, Irish province Munster reached the last four of the competition for the first time since 2010 and in so doing avenged a Challenge Cup semi-final defeat to the Londoners two years ago.
In a brutal encounter Munster fly-half Ronan O’Gara outscored Quins’ Nick Evans by six penalties to four to maintain Irish hopes of continuing their recent domination in this competition.
Favourites Clermont, who booked their last four spot on Saturday when they ousted fellow French Top 14 side Montpellier 36-14, await Munster, in Montpellier, on April 27.
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