Compiled by Gavin Cummiskey

Matt Williams' analysis THE BACKROW BATTLE

The battle of the backrow will decide the result. Biarritz have a slightly more balanced look to them but it is a desperately close call.

Breakdown: Biarritz will attempt to out-Munster Munster as one of the only teams capable of matching their intensity and sheer power. Serge Betsen and Imanol Harinordoquy were arguably the finest backrowers in the world at the last World Cup but David Wallace and Denis Leamy are the in-form flankers in this season's Heineken European Cup.

Harinordoquy is an incredibly talented footballer but has lost some of his edge in the last 12 months. Maybe he is reading his own press. Betsen, on the other hand, is quite simply immense.

Just look at his face: he carries the scars from a phenomenally courageous career. The ever-improving Leamy comes into conflict with a true dog of war.

Leaders: Lots of similarities here. Both Biarritz and Munster have a player who embodies the family traditions of the regions they represent. Anthony Foley and Thomas Lievremont are institutions in themselves. Foley never drops his standards and I believe he should still be part of the Irish set-up.

Lineout: Betsen is rarely utilised at the lineout - as he is so busy focusing on the outhalf - so Munster could use the backrowers at the tail, especially if, as expected, Biarritz double team O'Callaghan and O'Connell.

Alan Quinlan is a proven ball winner here but the three incumbents have no problem getting airborne. Mick O'Driscoll is another option.

Pressure on the outhalf: If Betsen invades Ronan O'Gara's space like he did Jonny Wilkinson in a famous French victory over England then the penalties will rain down for Biarritz. However, if Wallace and Leamy can disrupt the flow of Dimitri Yachvili and Julien Peyrelongue then O'Gara's boot can prevail.

Munster offer

This popped up on the London Irish website last week entitled: "An offer from our friends in Munster rugby. The Munster Branch are holding their official Pre-Match Function at 11.30 am at Cardiff Arms Park right beside the ground. A table of 10 will cost €5,000 (£3,500) which will include a reserved stand ticket, reception and lunch with guest speaker. Light snacks will be available to us at this facility after the match."

Considering London Irish play Gloucester in the European Challenge Cup final on Sunday at the Twickenham Stoop we don't expect too many Exiles to take up the invitation although plenty of Munster folk live in London.

Cardiff events

Don't be surprised to hear the Ulster brogue around a bustling Cardiff this Saturday. On the eve of Munster's defining moment, Ulster can clinch the Celtic League by beating Llanelli, with a bonus point, a few miles down the road in Stradey Park.

The Euro tag finals, a continental market (whatever that is), a water ski championship in Cardiff Bay and a European street festival in the city centre might keep some supporters out of the boozer.

The Millennium Stadium opens its doors at 1pm on Saturday with impressive pre-match entertainment rolled out from 2.15pm until the 3pm kick-off.

The ERC have dubbed it "Euro Cult" as it features performers from all six participating European Cup nations, including Irish singer/songwriter Paddy Casey. He will perform his best known hit Saints and Sinners; Scottish pipers and drummers will belt out Scotland the Brave; Marilena Della Vottoria will sing Volare; Jon Christos will sing Jerusalem; the Treorchy Male Voice Choir perform Bread of Heaven; and there will be Can Can dancers from Paris. At half-time Cara O'Sullivan will sing Stand Up and Fight and Michel Etcheverry will sing AUPA BO.

Match officials

Chris White's standing as the leading referee in the Northern Hemisphere was confirmed last week when he was awarded a third European Cup final, and second in succession. He couldn't actually be considered for any other finals as they involved English clubs.

Fellow Englishmen Dave Pearson and Tony Spreadbury support him on the line, while Geoff Warren is the television match official. For some diversity, Scot Douglas Hunter is the citing commissioner.

All eyes on the put in, boys.