Ulster may struggle to put away French duck

European Cup Pool Four Preview/Biarritz Olympique v Ulster: This week Mark McCall mentioned the need to break the "French duck" that has plagued Ulster for 10 years of European rugby. Even when they won the Heineken Cup in 1999 they were spanked 39-3 in Toulouse, though they did beat the French aristocrats twice at Ravenhill later in that memorable campaign.

But there's nothing new there. Even last season, during McCall's difficult introduction as coach, Ulster turned over Stade Francais in Belfast. It's on French soil they have consistently drawn a blank, and usually a hiding as well.

Four tries will be the minimum target for the French champions today as they seek redemption after defeat to Saracens last week.

In fact, it's do-or-die for Biarritz in a season made ever more important by their failure at the semi-final stage of this competition at the last two attempts.

Ulster arrive in this surfers' paradise with a settled team, proof being All-Black Paul Steinmetz cannot pry the number 12 shirt from Andrew Trimble's grip, although several familiar failings were evident in an unconvincing demolition of Treviso.

"We had played exceptionally well over the previous two weeks but against Treviso we came down a couple of notches," admits McCall.

"We will have to pick our game up and improve in all areas if we are to do anything in Biarritz.

"I was in London to see Saracens beat Biarritz and although they did pick up a few injuries they have so many big-name players that they really do have a star-studded squad to cover those injuries."

Olivier Olibeau and Thierry Dusautoir join French internationals Damien Traille and Serge Betsen on the list of absentees.

Unlike 12 months ago, McCall has close to a full deck to choose from, except at scrumhalf, but a calf injury to Isaac Boss is offset by Kieran Campbell's recovery from a similar complaint.

This Ulster team has also evolved. Justin Fitzpatrick's return from Castres and the arrival of Justin Harrison have beefed up a young pack.

There are incidental incentives.With Brian O'Driscoll and Denis Hickie injured at least one Irish threequarter for the autumn internationals will be selected purely on form, making this an ideal stage for Trimble to shine on.

Nevertheless, even if all the components gel, anything more than the bonus point may be beyond Ulster.

ULSTER: B Cunningham; T Bowe, K Maggs, A Trimble, J Topping; D Humphreys; K Campbell; J Fitzpatrick, R Best, S Best (capt); J Harrison, M McCullough; N Best, N McMillan, R Wilson. Replacements: N Brady, B Young, R Caldwell, C Feather, R Spee, P Wallace, P Steinmetz.

BIARRITZ OLYMPIQUE: N Brusque; S Bobo, F Martin Arramburu, D Lison, J Gobelet; J Peyrelongue, D Yachvili; K Lealamanua, B August, D Avril, J Thion, D Couzinet, S Malonga, I Harinordoquy, T Lievremont (capt). Replacements: B Noirot, S Ormaechea, O Booyse, M Carizza, J Dupuy, P Bidabe, B Dambielle.

Referee: N Whitehouse (Wales).

Previous meetings: 2002/03 (pool) - At Ravenhill, Ulster 13, Biarritz 9. At Parc des Sports Aguilera, Biarritz 25, Ulster 20.

Cup results so far: Ulster 27, Treviso 0; Saracens 22, Biarritz 10.

Leading scorers: Biarritz - Dimitri Yachvili, Julien Peyrelongue 5 points. Ulster - David Humphreys 7 points.

Verdict: Biarritz to win.