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Biarritz Olympique must win their two remaining French Championship matches in order to maintain their place at the top of Pool 1 and be sure of bagging one of the two automatic Heineken Cup spots available through Pool position.
The French champions lost heavily to Bourgoin last weekend (39-13) with a performance that did little to please coach Patrice Lagisquet. "We were rubbish," said the former France international wing.
"It was a huge defeat for us because we showed a lack of desire and concentration. In the first half when we had some possession and were camped in their half, we gave away too much possession. I haven't seen a performance like that in two years. We weren't able to change the pace of the game. What annoys me most is that against Bourgoin, we didn't show our usual solidarity and physical engagement that are usually our strengths."
Biarritz take on PARKER PEN SHIELD semi-finalists Castres at Parc des Sports Aguiléra on Sunday (3pm).
If they slip up, Stade Francais will be hot on their heels to grab a Heineken Cup spot. The Paris side take on Montferrand who are attempting to qualify for the play-offs and they also have a perilous trip to Bourgoin in the final round (March 1), a team who also need to make sure of a play-off spot.
Pool standings correct at 06/02/03
In Pool 2, Agen and Toulouse are fighting it out for the number one spot, though Agen are in the driving seat, only having to clinch one more victory to secure a spot in next season's Heineken Cup.
They take on Heineken Cup quarter-finalists Perpignan this weekend, the only team that could stop Agen in their tracks. Agen have been playing out a suspension from European rugby this season but have managed to clock up eleven Championship wins on the trot to date.
If Perpignan were to come away with a prized scalp at Stade Armandie on Saturday, and Toulouse get a win at Béziers the same day, that would set up a mouth-watering Pool and Heineken Cup spot decider at Toulouse's Stade Ernest Wallon on March 1 between the two leaders. Perpignan will go to Agen under no pressure this weekend as they are assured of the third play-off position in Pool 2, but with no chance of taking over either Agen or Toulouse.
Click here for the bluffers guide to European rugby
