Biarritz start with blistering try

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

A sold-out Millennium Stadium was swamped in red as Munster launched their third attempt to win the Heineken Cup.

More than 50,000 Munster fans descended on Cardiff to see Anthony Foley’s side meet French champions Biarritz with the size of the support effectively turning the showpiece into a home match.

Munster have lost previous finals to Northampton and Leicester in 2000 and 2002 but Biarritz’s form in the knockout stages suggested this was their best chance yet.

Red hopes were further improved by Paul O’Connell’s recovery from an ankle injury with the Ireland second row’s stunning form inspiring their charge into the final.

Ronan O’Gara overcame a stomach bug to take his place in the line-up while Foley, who has played in all but one of Munster’s 76 Heineken Cup matches over the last 11 years, led the team.

Biarritz, captained by France number eight Thomas Lievremont, overcame English clubs Sale and Bath in the knockout stages without ever hitting top gear.