Christophe Dominici will be at the cutting edge of Stade Francais Paris' bid to beat Biarritz Olympique in the Parc des Princes semi-final on Saturday and book their place for the 10th anniversary final in Edinburgh on Sunday, 22 May.
But the elusive Test wing is wary of a potent Biarritz side reinforced by outstanding summer signings in the likes of fellow internationals centre Damien Traille and back row star Imanol Harinordoquy.
"We will be looking to get a place in the final of the Heineken Cup, something we haven't done since 2001," said Dominici. "We need to win for our own sake, for the sake of the group and for the future of our club.
"We have qualified for a semi-final and of course we'll be playing a strong opponent. Biarritz did the heaviest recruitment in terms of both quality and quantity this season. They are strong with the scrum half and centre from the French team and they have 15 players of international quality.
"A semi-final is important for us - you don't play them every day! Our aims have been raised as we had to beat Castres before playing Toulouse in the Top 16. Now we have done that, not brilliantly, but we got the win which was vital. We're chipping away and the show's not over until the fat lady sings!"
Flanker Pierre Rabadan echoed Dominici's thoughts on the all-round strength of Biarritz, adding: "Everything about Biarritz is frightening!
"They are a massive team who have put in some sensational performances in the Heineken Cup and the Top 16. They have a big pack who are very good with the ball in hand and they have a massive amount of speed in the backs with some exceptional individuals. We will really have to raise our game.
"We got manhandled at Biarritz and conceded a lot of points. We won at Jean-Bouin but got beaten at Aguilera so we have one victory apiece.
"This game is there for the winning - even if it's by a single point - because we absolutely must go to Edinburgh and we are preparing for a big match.
"Before beating Castres on Saturday we were coming off two big away losses, one of them against Biarritz. Of course we've asked ourselves a lot of questions and we've found answers and reassured ourselves.
"Despite everything, we must raise our game for the semi-final to have a hope of winning. It will be a physical game against Biarritz but we'll see some good rugby as well and we are lucky to have to home advantage.
But coach Fabien Galthie is less optimistic - particularly in light of the injury suffered by fly half David Skrela in the weekend win over Castres Olympique.
"Weekend after weekend, things get more complicated," said Galthie. "It's going to require some luck for injured players to come back and if we are to be spared any more injuries.
"We can't be always asking for more because the players have given their all for the last 10 months. We have desires and ambition but we also have to look at things sensibly.
"It's all pretty complicated at the moment, especially with David's injury, which appears to be serious. We really didn't need that and I'm pretty pessimistic."