Yachvili: measured game the key
The Basque side have struggled to find form recently in the Top 14, losing their last two matches against Racing Metro and Clermont Auvergne respectively, and have suffered the loss of their midfield talisman Damien Traille for the season through injury.
Yet the idea of Biarritz as underdogs is probably not one that Tony McGahan would agree with and Yachvili admitted they were ready to push the former champions all the way in front of a passionate home crowd.
“The Irish arrive here clearly as favourites and full of confidence,” he declared. “But we have the backing of the people on our side. We’re feeling good. We’re going to give our very best against this great team.”
Yachvili admitted that training had gone well during the week, with the added bonus being the news that No.8 Imanol Harinordoquy will be available for selection against Munster.
“We’re really focused on the game,” he said. “We’ve been preparing things from a tactical point of view, clarifying some technical aspects and also on our motivation. It’s important for you to continue moving forwards in spite of the injuries that we’ve picked up.”
The Basque side recorded a hard fought 29-28 win over the Ospreys at Estadio Anoeta in the quarter finals. Although Yachvili admitted that he expects Munster to play a more forward orientated game, he stressed that Biarritz were aware of the potency of the Munster’s three quarter line.
“It won’t be the same type of game really. This time it’ll be based on the game up front, with individuals behind like Doug Howlett and Jean de Villiers who bring a little something extra to this team. We anticipating a really tough battle, and a match played out at a very high level.”
The Brive-born scrum half has won 41 caps for France over the last eight years and was involved in the latter end of France’s Grand Slam campaign after returning to form during Biarritz’ successful Heineken Cup run.
Acknowledging that experience, Yachvili claimed that if Biarritz were to win, they would have to play a measured game against a Munster side well versed in the arts of knockout rugby.
He said: “If you want to go out there and win the semi-final of a European Cup, you can’t be content with just sitting there and defending. You’ve got to be able to create something more than that. We’re going to have to be very efficient and opportunistic.
“We’re looking forward to playing some good rugby without being too greedy because the match will be won in the little details and the smallest error could be fatal for our chances.”
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