Toulouse did just enough to edge their way into the Heineken Cup final thanks to a 21-15 victory over London Irish at Twickenham.

The French side, gunning for their fourth success in the competition, controlled the match for long periods, but struggled to shake off a plucky Irish side who kept themselves in the game thanks to some explosive breaks.

However, the Exiles, who were missing their inspirational player coach Mike Catt, couldn't find the try they needed in the closing stages, as their first Heineken Cup semi-final ended in disappointment.

In a cagey opening to the game, Jean-Baptiste Elissalde and Peter Hewat exchanged penalties, but the Irish winger Topsy Ojo ignited the contest in the 20th minute when he stormed from midfield to break all the way to the line.

It was a fantastic solo effort but Toulouse full-back Cedric Heymans really should have brought Ojo to the ground but his attempted tackle was exceptionally weak.

However, slowly but surely, Toulouse got on top of things, as they squeezed out Irish and dominated the territorial battle.

They also crucially went over for two tries before the break - their first illustrated the quality of their backs as Manu Ahotaeiloa showed good feet to avoid the touchline and squeeze in at the corner after Byron Kelleher had shifted the ball wide from the pack.

The second try was all about the forwards as Toulouse won the ball off a line-out and drove to the line with hooker William Servat eventually powering over.

That left the French side 15-10 in front at the break but then Irish produced another try from nothing as they won a line-out at midfield on the right and moved it to the opposite wing. Sailosi Tagicakibau shook off another feeble attempt at a tackle from Heymans before racing past Maxime Medard and flying into the corner for another fine try.

However, Toulouse got back on top of things quickly, and two penalties in quick succession from Elissalde effectively cancelled out the try.

As time ticked on, Irish continued to struggle, although they did have another couple of good breaks, thanks to Ojo, and then Shane Geraghty, but Toulouse finally started making their tackles in key areas.

Irish couldn't find the try that could have seen them earn a famous victory in the closing stages and Toulouse move on to face Munster or Saracens in next month's decider.

Seán Fay / Eurosport