winning Will Save Our Season - Merceron

'Apart from remaining in the Elite group, winning the Parker Pen Challenge Cup is now our primary objective because if we win the match, it will enable us to save our season by going through to next year's Heineken Cup,' the French international said.

'It won't be easy because Harlequins are a good team and they are playing close to home so they will have a lot of support.

'But we are determined to win in order to wipe out the domestic problems we've had this season.

'We have done well in the Parker Pen Challenge Cup this season, coming

through Saracens, Newcastle and Bath. We feel less pressure against English sides who like to play the ball a lot more than in the French championship.

Our standard of rugby has been significantly higher in Europe than in domestic competition.

'The matches are more disciplined, the referees act with more rigour - everything is put in place for the games to produce as much entertaining rugby as possible.

'It's true that so far, we have always had a return leg on our home soil which has helped over the two legs and this time it is just one knock-out match. That means it will be a tough challenge but we are ready for it.

'The team has begun to believe in itself and even though we are now in the play-downs in the championship, we are starting to build on our capabilities and focus on our strengths.

'Along with the fact that a win guarantees a place in the Heineken Cup, we would just love to bring a title back to Clermont Ferrand. It would be a personal satisfaction for me and for the whole team.'

Coach Alain Hyardet added: 'At the moment, we are playing a series of competitive matches in the play-down stage of the French championship which is good preparation for the Parker Pen Challenge Cup final.

'Each time we have crossed the channel so far this season we have played well but Harlequins will be a difficult match. It's sink or swim on one knock-out match this time and we are playing in the opposition's backyard so with the support they will have, it's like one playing against one and a-half!

'Harlequins have an excellent kicker in their No 10 (Paul Burke), a world champion at inside centre (Will Greenwood) and they recently turned the tide against Bath which shows they dig their heels in right up to the final whistle.

'That is what we will have to do if we want to win this match. In our other matches in England this season, we performed well for 60 minutes but this time it has to be 80.

'The game will be won on details - whoever concedes the least amount of penalties and keeps the ball will be under less pressure and has a good chance of winning the match - and the title.'