Former All Black Luke McAlister kicked 23 points to guide French Top 14 powerhouse Toulouse past Racing Metro and book a semi-final against Toulon.
Five-eighth McAlister slotted seven penalty goals and a conversion in the 33-19 win over Racing at Stadium de Toulouse to set-up a mouth-watering clash against Toulon in Nantes on May 24.
Reigning champions Toulouse, who boast former Wallabies halfback and Melbourne Rebels recruit Luke Burgess on their bench, will meet Toulon in a repeat of last year’s title decider.
Among Toulon’s star-studded squad are Australian veterans Matt Giteau and Rocky Elsom.
Toulouse coach Guy Noves dedicated the win over Racing to the critics of his side.
“Some people would have said that had we lost today, then this would have been our most catastrophic season,” he said.
“Sadly for them (his critics), they will have to wait a little longer. I dedicate this victory to them.”
Racing led 6-3 in the early stages after Jonathan Wisniewski kicked two penalties to McAlister’s third-minute strike, but it was the champions who grabbed the game’s first try after 21 minutes.
Veteran centre Yannick Jauzion, playing his last home game after 11 years with the French giants, released Gael Fickou to score.
McAlister missed the conversion but Toulouse’s 8-6 lead soon became 11-6 when the New Zealander sent over a penalty.
Racing hit back to level the score when Fijian winger Sireli Bobo slipped two tackles before passing to compatriot Masi Matadigo who barrelled over for 11-11 with Wisniewski fluffing the conversion.
On the stroke of halftime, Toulouse nipped back in front at 14-11 when McAlister hit the target with a penalty.
Another penalty success by McAlister just after the resumption pushed Toulouse further in front for 17-11 which soon became 24-11 when No.8 Louis Picamoles, who had been a pre-match injury doubt, was guided over the try line in a well-orchestrated forwards move.
Racing cut the deficit with their second try of the night scored by Henry Chavancy with Wisniewski adding the conversion for 24-16.
McAlister and Wisniewski exchanged penalties as Toulouse went into a 27-19 lead before 33-year-old Jauzion was replaced, the veteran French international centre leaving to a standing ovation from the 30,000 crowd.
On Saturday, Castres host Montpellier with the winners to meet Clermont in a May 25 semi-final.
The Top 14 final will be staged at the Stade de France on June 1.