Biarritz hitting peak form at perfect time, says Peyrelongue
Biarritz warmed up for the Millennium Stadium showdown by crushing rivals Montpellier 57-7 last Friday and Peyrelongue insists his side are ready to claim their first European crown.
“We have been working in a great atmosphere and in good conditions. The whole team is full of confidence thanks to the victories we clinched in recent months,” he said.
“The objective was to be at top form on May 20 and that’s what we will achieve. Since February we have been working hard physically to reach that level.”
Peyrelongue will link up with the impressive Dimitri Yachvili at half back but there is a suspicion the Biarritz number 10 is his side’s Achilles heel.
Playing behind Biarritz’s brutal pack, Peyrelongue usually enjoys an easy ride and has rarely been exposed, but he could be targeted by Munster.
Anthony Foley’s side are also a formidable outfit up front and will be far harder to overcome than Sale and Bath, Biarritz’s victims in the knockout stages.
But the French champions are desperate to improve on the semi-final defeats they have endured over the last two seasons and Peyrelongue believes the time is right to deliver in the tournament.
“I hope we won’t disappoint our fans this weekend. I have been with Biarritz for six years and witnessed the progression of the club,” he said.
“We now have experience and the composure to cope with highly-pressured matches like this one.”
While thumping Montpellier was great for confidence levels, Biarritz coach Patrice Lagisquet admits his side face a far tougher assignment in Cardiff.
“Our recent large victory over Montpellier allowed us to work on certain points we wanted to improve before the European final,” he said.
“Without lacking respect towards Montpellier, the league match was good training for us. Now we are in another dimension with the clash on Saturday.
“The fight that is awaiting us in Cardiff will be extremely difficult. The most important will be to remain concentrated and serious.”
Biarritz flew to Cardiff yesterday morning. Centre Damien Traille, who injured his right thigh against Montpellier, has been rested so far this week but should be fit for Saturday’s final.
Front row: Balan, August, Johnston, Noirot, Lecouls.
Second row: Thion, Couzinet, Olibeau, Carizza.
Third row: Betsen, Lièvremont, Harinordoquy, Dusautoir.
Scrum half: Yachvili, Dupuy.
Out half : Peyrelongue.
Centres: Bobo, Traille, Gaïtan, Gobelet, Hegarty, Martin-Aramburu.
Backs: Brusque, Dambielle
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