Semi-finals to be played over weekend of May 1:
Munster v Leinster at Croke Park
Cardiff Blues v Leicester at Millennium Stadium
So to Planet Rugby's picks then...and there's no surprise that the two Irish provinces dominate selection with thirteen Magners League-based players making our cut...let us know your views!
15 Paul Warwick (Munster): The man who was pencilled in by London Irish for next season proved just how vital he can be to Munster as he chipped in two fine drop-goals and a slick try at Thomond Park. Always a threat with ball-in-hand, Warwick fed off Lifeimi Mafi and the like from full-back.
14 Luke Fitzgerald (Leinster): His stock continues to rise after another impressive performance both in attack and defence. And with a severe lack of standout wingers putting their hand up for British and Irish Lions selection, Fitzgerald has given himself every chance of being a touring starter.
13 Brian O'Driscoll (Leinster): What can you say about the man after serious captaincy credentials were shown at the Twickenham Stoop. O'Driscoll fired up his team-mates, almost crossed with a moment of magic and was a rock in defence as Harlequins threw everything at the white wall.
12 Lifeimi Mafi (Munster): The Tongan-born player is fast becoming a Munster legend with his direct and dynamic running that cut the Ospreys to pieces on Sunday. Even without the experience of regular centre partner, Rua Tipoki, Mafi was magic from start to finish for the reigning champions.
11 Ian Dowling (Munster): His value has never been doubted in Munster circles as Dowling's no nonsense style rarely brings mistakes. Much like full-back Warwick, the winger was busy looking for work and combined with Mafi and Doug Howlett throughout.
10 Sam Vesty (Leicester): The 27-year-old is so often called upon when the chips are down and always steps up to the mark with solid performances. Usually third choice when all of Leicester's number tens are fit and well, Vesty fired from fly-half and fully deserved his man-of-the-match award.
9 Tomás O'Leary (Munster): It's been a year to remember for Munster's former 400 metre champion that should get even better on May 21. The busy scrum-half, who was deployed as a bit-part winger during 2007/08, has been the stand-out number nine in Ireland this term and was again territorially sound on Sunday.
8 Xavier Rush (Cardiff Blues): The former All Black proved David Young was correct in opting for him instead of Andy Powell at the Millennium Stadium. His return from injury may well have been the difference for Cardiff Blues as knowhow and the latter's introduction from the bench worked out well for the Welsh.
7 David Wallace (Munster): Is there anyone in world rugby who has the sheer leg power of the Munster man? The moment that stood out at Thomond Park was Wallace's statement in defence on Ryan Jones as he drove his opponent backwards while he was grounded...a shoo-in to start for Lions.
6 Rocky Elsom (Leinster): The Australian could not have been pushed closer by opponent Chris Robshaw as the youngster furthered his claims for full England honours. However, it was Elsom's canny interferences when it mattered that took the wind out of Harlequins' sails to make him number six.
5 Paul O'Connell (Munster): The lock battle in Limerick was supposed to fierce but instead the Big O's dominated from start to finish. Strong in the lineout and around the park, O'Connell was rewarded with a rare try that he celebrated with Donncha O'Callaghan.
4 Leo Cullen (Leinster): The 31-year-old was a constant thorn in the side of Harlequins' set-piece with the English losing plenty of possession during the first period. And with an eventual scoreline of 6-5 sending Leinster through to a Dublin meeting with Munster, Cullen's effort cannot be underplayed.
3 John Hayes (Munster): 'The Bull' found impressively solid form at the weekend and fully deserved his pats on the back after earning turnovers at vital times - all at the tender old age of 35.
2 William Servat (Toulouse): Maybe it was unfair for Toulouse only to boast one name in this selection but many came close. The hooker just about edges out Jerry Flannery as he linked well with his team, who while struggling in the lineout early on, just about had the measure over the Blues' pack.
1 Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues): Is there a serious threat to his Lions loosehead jersey? Jenkins was a rock for the Blues and offers plenty around the field to make him the nailed on choice.[/b]
Working Class Rugby Union after 1895? Especially in England
