This time, it’s Biarritz on a revenge mission

John Kelly provides a fascinating insight into the Munster mindset ahead of the 2006 Heineken Cup final – and warns that their Basque opponents are the ones with a score to settle

GETTING ready mentally for the 2006 Heineken Cup final was not a difficult task. Munster had suffered agonising defeats in their two previous attempts against Northampton and Leicester but it was another painful loss that was the real spur to victory.

In April 2005, Munster didn’t go past the quarter-final stages for the first time since 1999. Biarritz Olympique abruptly ended the Irish province’s cup dreams in the Basque stronghold of Stadio Anoeta. The Irish flag bearers were beaten 19-10. It was a painful and early end to the season.