Munster v Biarritz - The key battles

A live matchtracker of the Heineken Cup Final from Cardiff will be available on www.rte.ie/sport

Munster and Biarritz clash at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium tomorrow in the Heineken Cup final, with a number of interesting personal showdowns in prospect - and we examine three of the key battles.

Ronan O'Gara (Munster) v Julien Peyrelongue (Biarritz)

O'Gara produced a fly-half masterclass during Munster's stunning semi-final demolition of Leinster four weeks ago, thriving on the big occasion as he ran the show at Lansdowne Road. Other times though, he has proved flaky under pressure - Ireland's Six Nations loss against Wales last season, for instance - and Biarritz will undoubtedly target him.

Peyrelongue is probably the unsung member of a Biarritz back division that can cut the finest defences to shreds. Centre Damian Traille and wing Sereli Bobo might regularly command most of the headlines, but the French champions' smooth fly-half operator has proved himself an astute tactical planner.

Peter Stringer (Munster) v Dimitri Yachvili (Biarritz)

Scrum-half Stringer is a veteran of Munster's repeated attempts to land the biggest knockout prize in European rugby, and his experience will be vital in tomorrow's Millennium Stadium cauldron. A clever, combative player, his Six Nations form suggests he could be a major influence on proceedings.

Former Gloucester scrum-half Yachvili played decisive roles in the knockout stage victories over Sale Sharks and Bath, with his goalkicking once again proving nerveless under pressure. The higher the stakes, the better he performs - as England will testify during recent Six Nations clashes against France.

Anthony Foley (Munster) v Thomas Lievremont (Biarritz)

No-one illustrates the Munster spirit and battling qualities better than 32-year-old number eight Foley, who makes his 76th Heineken Cup appearance tomorrow, 13 more than any other player. A natural leader who features in his third European final, it could be now or never on the European stage - for Foley and Munster.

Foley's rival skipper Lievremont will offer a steadying influence and voice of experience as Biarritz target their first European title, which would give France its third Heineken Cup triumph in four seasons. Lievremont missed the semi-final victory over Bath due to injury, and his return will further strengthen an already imposing Biarritz outfit.