LONDON (AFP) - Toulouse may have edge in experience over European Cup semi-final opponents London Irish but that hasn't stopped the French club's long-serving coach Guy Noves worrying about the threat posed by the Exiles' pack.

As well as losing several players from their star-studded back division because of injury, including Vincent Clerc and Florian Fritz, the three-times European champions will also be without France flanker Thierry Dusautoir after the back-row's father died earlier this week.

London Irish have been one of the surprise packages of this season's tournament and Saturday's match here at Twickenham will be their first appearance in a European Cup semi-final.

Although they too will be without a key back, in injured ex-England playmaker Mike Catt, much of Irish's success this season has been built around their forward play with Nick Kennedy and captain Bob Casey leading arguably the best lineout in the English Premiership.

"They have a very dynamic side that possesses quick and strong players," said Noves, who has been coach of Toulouse for the last 15 years.

"They have a very reliable set-piece, with a very good line-out and - contrary to what people say - a very good scrum," added the 54-year-old former France wing.

"I fear their capacity to raise their game, to be roused by playing at Twickenham. But I hope they fear Toulouse as well."

It isn't the time to lament our current position," added Noves, who only three weeks ago collided with a car while riding his bicycle.

"We have to work with the fit players we have and rise to the challenge with those we will have in London.

"That will make it all the sweeter if we win. If not, we will have to do better next year."

For all their injury problems, Toulouse's back division still boasts the France international trio of full-back Cedric Heymans, centre Yannick Jauzion and Jean-Baptiste Elissalde, who plays at outside-half for his club so as they can feature All Black scrum-half Byron Kelleher in the No 9 shirt.

Toulouse's pack also has plenty of hardened campaigners in former France captain Fabien Pelous and Argentina lock Patricio Albacete.

Even so, they come into this game on the back of a 23-11 defeat in France's elite Top 14 championship by Clermont Auvergne.

However, Noves said that was the least of their problems as Toulouse prepared for their first match at Twickenham since 2004 when they were beaten in the European Cup final by English giants Wasps.

"We are being hit by some bad blows at Toulouse at the moment," said Noves.

"The injury to Vincent Clerc; Thierry Dusautoir telling me at the start of the week about the death of his father. It meant the defeat in the league, to one of the best teams in France, pales into insignificance."

He added: "But I remain convinced we have enough to win this match (against London Irish). We are staying positive."