European Cup Semi-finalSt Français v Biarritz Parc des Princes, 3.0Biarritz are hoping to continue their gradual improvement in the Heineken European Cup after reaching the quarter-finals in 2003 and the semis last year.

Their form in the pool, where they outclassed Leicester and Wasps, marked them as live contenders and they were equally impressive in beating Munster in the quarter-finals.

Winning the Cup would cap a great 15-year career at the club for Serge Betsen.

"It is our quest for the Holy Grail. To bring it home would be fabulous," said the France flanker. "When I think about maybe winning the Heineken Cup with Biarritz, I know it has a massive significance for me.

"When you have been with the same club for 15 years, the professional recognition you get for victories such as this . . . is what we have dreamed about for as long as we can remember.

"To get to the semi-final was our minimum objective. Obviously, that is not enough for us now - I know we can always do better and go further."

Stade Français have several injury worries for the Parc des Princes clash, outhalf David Skrela joining Juan Hernandez, Gonzalo Quesada and Brian Liebenberg in the treatment room.

They reached the final in 2001, losing at home to Leicester, but are outsiders to make the May 23rd Murrayfield decider, especially after losing heavily to Biarritz in the French league lately.

And coach Fabien Galthie is playing down expectations: "It's going to require some luck. We have desires and ambitions but we also have to look at things sensibly . . . I'm pretty pessimistic."

STADE FRANCAIS: O Sarramea; J Arias, S Glas, R King or B Liebenberg, C Dominici; D Skrela or J Fillol, A Pichot; S Marconnet, M Blin, R Roncero, D Auradou (capt), O Brouzet, P Rabadan, R Martin or M Bergamasco, S Sowerby. Replacements: B Kayser, P Lemoine, P De Villiers, M James, R Martin or M Bergamasco, R Poulain, J Fillol or R King or G Mahe.

BIARRITZ: N Brusque; P Bidabe, G Bousses, D Traille, J Marlu; J Peyrelongue, D Yachvili; P Balan, B August, D Avril, J Thion, O Olibeau, S Betsen, I Harinordoquy, T Lievremont (capt). Replacements: J-M Gonzalez, B Lecouls, K Lealamanua, D Couzinet, T Dusautoir, J Dupuy, F Martin-Arramburu.

Referee: Tony Spreadbury (England).