Toulouse called on their Heineken Cup experience to power into their fifth final and halt London Irish's European journey with a 21-15 win at Twickenham.
Irish capitalised on appalling defending from France full-back Cedric Heymans to plunder tries through man of the match Topsy Ojo and Sailosi Tagicakibau in each half - but it was was enough.
Luckily for Heymans, Toulouse showed greater efficiency in attack with Manu Ahotaeiloa and William Servat crossing in the space of four minutes shortly before the interval.
The French giants, missing a host of stars including Clement Poitrenaud and Vincent Clerc, would have made life easier had skipper Fabien Pelous not butchered two fine chances.
But the three-times Heineken Cup winners, perennial fixtures in the knockout stages, possessed too much nous for Irish once they had edged ahead.
Leading their assault was France half-back Jean-Baptiste Elissalde, who kicked 11 points and expertly marshalled his weakened side.
They will now meet either Saracens or Munster, who play at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on Sunday, in the final at the Millennium Stadium next month.
Irish, who were missing Mike Catt to a hamstring and calf injury, had surpassed all expectations to reach the last four but came up short against their more streetwise opponents.
They subjected Toulouse to a nerve-shredding finish as they went in search of the converted try that would snatch victory, but the French club held firm.
Boss Guy Noves said: "I was pleased with our self-belief. Our players stuck to the gameplan.
"This game was a real test for our forwards. Statistics have shown we're not the most physical in the tackle area but we matched Irish in this area."
Meanwhile, Irish director of rugby Brian Smith was left thinking what might have been.
He said: "We're very proud of the players' efforts.
"There's a sinking feeling in the pits of our stomachs but we're so proud of our endeavour and the way we never gave up.
"It shows this team has massive character and ambition. But for the bobble of the ball we could have won the game."
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