Glasgow Warriors are preparing themselves to face the undisputed Kings of Europe next month.
The Scottish outfit host Heineken Cup holders and four times champions Toulouse at Firhill on Friday, December 10 in the opening fixture of the third round of continental competition.
While the Warriors have won one and lost one of their opening two group matches, Toulouse are top of Pool 6 with two wins from two.
But while the French aristocrats will be heavy favourites to continuing that winning streak, Glasgow won't roll over and make it easy for them.
Injured Scotland flanker Johnnie Beattie is fully aware of the talents Toulouse possess but a famous victory over Guy Noves' men in January 2009 has shown Glasgow that they too can compete with the very best.
"For quite a long time, Toulouse have been perceived as the Kings of Europe," said Beattie.
"They're a top French side and so many of the French sides play a fantastic brand of rugby. You can always associate that free-flowing rugby that's good to watch with Toulouse. And it's bloody hard to play against!
"But we had a good result last time we were over there. We went there and won and we've come close against them and against Biarritz when they've come to Firhill.
"There's quite a mixture of different opposition in the group. London Wasps have a blitz defence and Toulouse play a different brand of rugby, so preparation's going to be different for every game.
"That's something to look forward to, though, and we'll go into the game looking to do the best we can."
Unfortunately for Beattie, he won't play any part in the double header with the European Champions as he is still recovering from shoulder surgery.
Beattie made a massive impact for both club and country last term but hasn't featured at all this season.
But instead of feeling sorry for himself, Beattie is taking a far more optimistic approach and has even thrown himself into over tasks to try and help Glasgow make it to the knockout stages for the first time.
"It's going to a be a long road to getting back fit and strong but I'm going to give it my best bash and get back as soon as possible," added Beattie.
"I'm definitely taking an optimistic view of it. If you're a rugby player and are going to do this until you're 34 or 35, you have to understand that a two or three-month rest for your body with the chance to repair yourself is needed every now and again.
"There's no point getting down about these things. Your body needs fixing and if you have to go with surgery, it's a last resort, but if you need to take time out to get it fixed then you have to do that.
"Looking at it that way, with a World Cup around the corner and the Six Nations and all these different things to aim for, there's still a massive amount to play and train for.
"I've got time on my hands to sit in the analysis room and pour over tapes. It's something I've been trying to do, getting involved with the analysis side and helping the boys out as much as I can.
"I'm just trying to watch as much rugby as I can and preview the opposition, work out how to break them down and how to score points, which is pretty tough!
"Everyone in the coaching team takes different bits of a team's attack or defence and looks at how you can break them down and manipulate them. It's something different and something to keep the mind ticking over while the shoulder's a bit messy.
"We've got a full time analysist at Glasgow and I see how tough his job is and how much work he does sitting at his desk. It's something that I enjoy but it's not something I think I'd want to do full time.
"I'm just looking forward to getting back and playing as well as I can. I just want to get some game time and get back as soon as possible."
