Biarritz 27 Border Reivers 17

DEAN RYAN believes the hype surrounding Gloucester’s exciting young England hopefuls is “distracting from reality” as his team look destined for an early Heineken Cup exit.

BIARRITZ captain Thomas Lievremont has revealed how the bitter disappointment of Heineken Cup final defeat to Munster has carried over into this season.

IT WAS fitting that the Man of the Match should have the last say, and when Peter Stringer hoisted an 84th-minute kick into touch at the Millennium Stadium, Munster’s long wait for Heineken Cup glory was over.

Munster skipper Anthony Foley declared his side worthy winners of the 2006 Heineken Cup and predicted today’s triumph over Biarritz is only the prelude to a dynasty of European glory.

Biarritz 19 Munster 23

Biarritz have gone seven points up within minutes of the throw-in in today's Heineken Cup final against Munster.

THIS is the day when the 16th man will REALLY make his presence felt!

BASQUES have always been different. Ever since they appeared in southwest France and northeast Spain 40 centuries ago they’ve been regarded with puzzlement.

Munster captain Anthony Foley has urged caution ahead of the Heineken Cup favourites’ Millennium Stadium showdown against Biarritz tomorrow.

Biarritz captain Thomas Lievremont has hailed Munster among “the greatest European sides” going into tomorrow’s Heineken Cup final showdown at the Millennium Stadium.

HE’S all business, Thomas Lievremont. It doesn’t take long when we meet for him to get down to brass tacks about the Heineken Cup final and how his Biarritz team can win it.

French star Damien Traille has predicted a bruising tussle when Biarritz and Munster go head-to-head in Saturday’s Heineken Cup final at the Millennium Stadium.

DENIS LEAMY has seen a lot of the French this season and on Saturday caps it off in the Heineken Cup final with another French examination against reigning domestic champions and current league leaders Biarritz.

Barry Coughlan

BIARRITZ coach Patrice Lagisquet last night installed Munster as favourites for the Heineken Cup final in Cardiff on May 20th. Clearly, the mind games are underway.

Sale coach Kingsley Jones is delighted the Sharks travel to San Sebastian as underdogs, and remains confident they can storm Biarritz’s Basque stronghold.

Sale boss Philippe Saint-Andre hailed his medical staff after Mark Cueto and Jason Robinson were passed fit for tomorrow’s Heineken Cup quarter-final against Biarritz.

COLIN CHARVIS has been dropped by Wales coach Scott Johnson as one of three personnel changes for the final RBS Six Nations Championship clash against France on Saturday.

Bernard Laporte has made one change to France‘s starting line-up for their final RBS Six Nations Championship clash with Wales on Saturday.

France 37 Italy 12

Thomas Castaignede admitted France will need to step up a gear if they are to beat England after toiling to beat Italy 37-12 at the Stade de France.

France 37 Italy 12

Thomas Lievremont believes he is the man who can provide the backbone that has so far been lacking in France’s RBS Six Nations Championship campaign when they host Italy at the Stade de France.

FRANCE coach Bernard Laporte’s quixotic attitude to selection saw him make three changes to the team that beat Ireland 43-31 for Saturday’s Six Nations clash with Italy at the Stade de France.

Thomas Castaignede returns to the France line-up against Italy at the Stade de France on Saturday in the RBS Six Nations.

FRANCE have recalled skipper Fabien Pelous for their Six Nations opener against Scotland at Murrayfield on February 5.

FRANCE coach Bernard Laporte has made a number of changes to his starting line-up to face Tonga in Toulouse on Saturday as Les Bleus look to make it three wins out of three.

Saracens 22 Biarritz 10

Toulouse know they will have to win the physical battle if they are to overcome Leicester in Sunday's Heineken Cup semi-final.

Biarritz 19 Munster 10

Biarritz 19 Munster 10

BIARRITZ is a beautiful seaside town. Perhaps not quite as beautiful as San Sebastián, but there is very little in it.

AS a result of Ireland's disappointing finish to the international rugby season, the fortunes of Munster and Leinster on the European stage assume even more significance.

France full-back Julien Laharrague is hoping he impressed enough on his international debut to be retained for Les Bleus’ next RBS 6 Nations clash against Ireland on March 12.

France captain Fabien Pelous has refused to be disheartened by their poor performance against Scotland on Saturday and remains optimistic about the prospects for Les Bleus to do well in the RBS 6 Nations.

France coach Bernard Laporte has urged his side to use the fear factor to beat England on Sunday in their RBS 6 Nations Championship clash.

FRANCE have recalled flanker Serge Betsen to their squad to face England at Twickenham next Sunday.

FRANCE’S hopes of defending their Six Nations Grand Slam got a boost on Sunday when it was revealed the Biarritz trio of Serge Betsen, Thomas Lievremont and Nicolas Brusque were to return to training today.

EX-MUNSTER second-row Mick O’Driscoll knows as much about Biarritz as anybody, and he is convinced his former comrades can upset the odds in the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup on April 3.

European champions Wasps produced a storming second-half performance to begin their Heineken Cup defence in impressive fashion at the Causeway Stadium.

HOLDERS Toulouse’s hopes of making next month’s Heineken Cup final received a blow yesterday when it was revealed that French flyhalf Frederic Michalak was a major doubt for Saturday’s semi-final against Biarritz.

Llanelli Scarlets 10 Biarritz 27