Better team won says Balshaw

Unfortunately for the former England star, that team was Toulouse.

The most consistent side in European rugby ran out 21-19 victors in the 15th Heineken Cup Final but Balshaw's disappointment in defeat didn't stop him from giving Toulouse the credit he felt they deserved.

"We're gutted - to come that close and lose by two points. But to be fair to Toulouse, for 60 minutes, they dominated the game," said Balshaw, who moved to France from Gloucester last summer.

Biarritz trailed 21-12 going into the final few minutes before a converted Karmichael Hunt try gave the 2006 beaten finalists hope of a memorable comeback.

A last-gasp penalty or drop goal would have secured the continental crown for Biarritz but Balshaw says their performance didn't really live up to their own expectations on the big stage.

"We were very flat, especially in the first half," added Balshaw.

"I can't explain it. We weren't aggressive and we lacked dynamism. I don't know if that's because we haven't for three weeks or what but I'm not making excuses.

"I think, in the end, the better team over the 80 minutes won - as much as I hate to say it.

"In the last 20 minutes we had a bit of life in us. I'm disappointed for the lads obviously, and for the fans that travelled up.

"We were just off the boil today and, as everybody knows, you can't be off the boil against a team like Toulouse because you'll come off second best."