Coach ‘Gonzo’ gunning for revenge on Munster
Jean-Michel Gonzalez didn’t give an inch when he played in the front row and he believes Biarritz can take on Munster on equal terms this time as well.
“Munster were already a top side back then, but younger than today’s team,” he recalled.
“If you look at that 2005 team and compare the team of today, it’s more or less the same, apart from one or two – except they’re five years older.
“But we’ve renewed our squad, youngsters have been integrated and they have a huge hunger.
“I think that the fact that Munster have an aging pack can play a part in this match. Munster have the experience, but we can inject fire and desire into our pack.”
Biarritz are under more pressure now but it’s a pressure that “Gonzo” believes can be turned to their advantage.
“Of course there is pressure, but it’s good pressure. We’re at home, in front of 30,000 spectators who will be with us, one to our cause.
“We just have to get on with it, not think about it and put in to effect what’s been put in place during the week.”
That preparation has been in private, at their training camp in Hendaye, and Gonzalez believes this intensive preparation can be decisive, coming after a defeat against Clermont.
“It’s both mental and tactical. Living together as a group and taking about this semi-final all the time brings us something different and will prepare us mentally. We will be ready to count on each other and start off together at 200%.
“It’s not important that we’re not the favourites, the important thing is to win. There is a title to be won and we’re on the path of the former European champions.
“The fact we are the hosts is huge: we have the ground advantage, the support, preparation time. It’s very different when you play away from home. We know who’s who and what’s what.
“If we can land a blow to their head early on, and apply a lot of pressure, I think we could make them crack.”
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