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And Chris Robshaw, the Harlequins captain and man of the match in their backs-to-the-wall semi-final victory at Munster, is calling for strict discipline from his team to limit the threat of Lionel Beauxis putting the boot into their title hopes.
"This Amlin Challenge Cup final is right up there as one of the biggest matches we have played - we are competing for a big piece of European silverware and, if we can win it, that will make it even more special," said Robshaw.
"Everyone is well aware that qualification for next season's Heineken Cup is also at stake for both clubs and I am sure ourselves and Stade will come out with all guns blazing.
"It is a good few years since we were last in a final and these opportunities do not come around very often so you have to make most of them when they do. That means trying not to be nervous, controlling your emotions and concentrating on what you know you can do.
"We have had our highs along with our lows this season - the latter when we have failed to shut games out - and now this Amlin Challenge Cup final could well be the defining moment of our season.
"Our discipline will be a key element because Stade have a very good kicker at No 10 and any penalties you give away from halfway he can land and keep the scoreboard ticking over.
"It was epic winning in Limerick, and hopefully we can produce a similar performance on Friday, while it was also great to see the teams who were expected to lose in the semi-finals coming through.
"That shows both sides have great character and can match the big boys and now the chance of qualifying for the Heineken Cup is huge.
"You want to play against and test yourself against the best teams and players in Europe and to do that you need to be in the Heineken Cup - when you have the likes of Toulouse in town those are really special days.
"We have a pretty good idea of what to expect from their numerous international players in particular but it is also important we focus on ourselves and make sure we bring our own game to the party."
Director of Rugby Conor O'Shea echoed those sentiments, adding: "There has been a lot of talk about how we should play and how to stop Stade, but we are going to go to Cardiff and play our own rugby.
"ERC have made changes to the tournament over recent years and bringing sides down from the Heineken has made the competition better and it is great to be involved in the tournament.
"Since we have come through the Pool stage we have met two former European champions in the quarter-finals and semi-finals and now we are facing one of Europe's greatest teams in the final.
"Stade Français are an outstanding side and we know it is going to be a tough game, their side is packed with stars and it is going to be a great final.
"They are a formidable European outfit and, while we are heading down to Cardiff with the aim of enjoying the day, the target is to get the silverware and bring back the Amlin Challenge Cup for the first time since 2004 so hopefully our fans will pack the place out and we put on a good show."
