Harinordoquy out to correct mistakes of 2006

Imanol Harinordoquy has vowed that Biarritz will not make the same mistakes of four years ago when they contest tomorrow’s all-French Heineken Cup final against Toulouse.

The Stade de France showdown sees Toulouse targeting a fourth European crown, although the game comes just a week after their French title hopes were extinguished by play-off opponents Perpignan.

Biarritz though, have never lifted the Heineken Cup, and memories of a 23-19 defeat against Munster in the 2006 Millennium Stadium final still hurt French Grand Slam star Harinordoquy.

“That final is a very bitter memory,” said Harinordoquy, who played in a mask against semi-final opponents Munster earlier this month in order to protect a broken nose.

“I didn’t even want the runners-up medal. What drove me mad was the feeling that we were not ready for the event.

“The Millennium Stadium was heaving with 40-50,000 Irish supporters, and I think our players went to pieces. This time we won’t make the same mistakes.

“When you think back to 2006, it was logical that we reached the final considering our form that season. Yet on the day, even though we had the best team on the field, we lost in Cardiff.

“This year I really believe in what we are doing. We are not favourites, but I really think we stand a chance.

“These are games that are won through your desire and group solidarity, and we have enough determination to bring the Heineken Cup back to Biarritz.”

Toulouse though, are firm favourites, especially having contested the two previous all-French finals – in 2003 and 2005 – and won them both at the respective expense of Perpignan and Stade Francais.

And the threat of players like France captain Thierry Dusautoir, centre Yannick Jauzion, full-back Clement Poitrenaud and fly-half David Skrela is not lost on Harinordoquy.

“I relish the prospect of playing against some of my international team-mates - it will give me a lot of extra motivation,” he added.

“There are going to be some great heads-to-heads across the pitch, and I know I’m going to have to be at the top of my game.

“Toulouse are a model of consistency. In terms of squad, structure and results, they are certainly the number one in France – and probably Europe as well.

“I compare them slightly to the (New Zealand) All Blacks, especially when you see their three-quarter play and how fast they react on the counter-attack.

“On paper they are the favourites, and they are a team that we don’t often beat, but I believe we can beat them.

“I am like most children – I always want what I don’t have. It’s so hard to get to a Heineken Cup final, and winning it would be so dear to me.”