Rugby: French star sets sights on first Heineken Cup victory

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."

He added: "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.

"I compare them slightly to the All Blacks," said Harinordoquy.