Which team will host a Heineken Cup quarter-final?
Munster(37%)
Toulouse(22%)
Leinster(15%)
Biarritz(17%)
Ospreys(4%)
Leicester Tigers(2%)
Stade Français Paris(3%)
Pau have set their sights on a European Challenge Cup double – and with it their passport into next season’s Heineken Cup tournament – when they clash with Sale Sharks in the final at the Kassam Stadium on Saturday (12.45 pm).
Pau lifted the trophy in 2000 when they beat Castres Olympique 34-21 in the final and Garrick Morgan, their Australian international lock, also knows what it takes after helping NEC Harlequins to European Challenge Cup glory against Narbonne the following season. “The European Challenge Cup has become the focus for our season and it could make an amazing difference to the club – the possibility of Heineken Cup rugby next year is something we want to reach out and grab,” said Morgan. “But we have been blowing very hot and cold this season. We have a strong squad of players and should be able to put in quality performances every week.
“However, while we have had some off days this season, we are certainly capable of turning it on when it comes to the crunch.
“But Sale are formidable opposition. They have a great combination of youth and experience and are physically very fit.
“Obviously we will be going into Saturday’s game off the back of a heavy domestic schedule so fitness levels will be pretty important. “I think they have the added pressure of being at home, at least on English soil, and although French sides are not genuinely that good away from home, if we have a good day we are capable of bringing the trophy home with us.” The Kassam Stadium double-header features two Anglo-French contests and that delights Morgan.
“Obviously with two French teams in the Heineken Cup final we feel we are getting something extra with a truly European tie,” he said.
“It will be made all the more interesting as it’s a double header and I hope the supporters of both Pau and Auch will get behind both teams and make it a true Anglo-French event.
“Winning the European Challenge Cup could totally change our whole season – and obviously next season as well.”