Glasgow celebrate after beating Biarritz the last time the two sides met at Firhill

Glasgow Warriors will open their Heineken Cup campaign at home to five times French Top 14 champions Biarritz, who they defeated the last time the two sides met in Glasgow.

December 2007 saw the Warriors defeat the French giants in chilly conditions and Warriors head coach Sean Lineen is confident that a repeat result would kick-start the Warriors’ bid to qualify for the knock-out stages for the first time.

“We beat them at home 9-6 in a really close game,” said the former Scotland centre, “It’s good to get a home game first up. It doesn’t make it any easier but it certainly helps focus the mind.”

Last season’s campaign was a disappointing one, losing in their first tie away to fellow Magners League side Newport Gwent Dragons. Despite the Dragons being something of a bogey side for The Biggest Team in Glasgow, such an encounter is one Lineen is adamant will be full of excitement with the added spice of European honours at stake.

“That took the wind out of our sails a bit last year. The Dragons are an interesting team to play against. Obviously we know each other very well so our games are never one-sided.”

The target of qualification for the knock-out stages came agonisingly close in season 2006/07 when a win over Saracens could have seen the Warriors through to the quarter-finals for the first time. Such a goal is something Lineen hopes can become a reality over the coming months.

“That’s what everyone wants, to qualify for the knock-out stages. It’s important we win all our home games to be in with a chance, but if you really want to progress then you need to win at least one of your away games.

“Right now, we’ll need to focus on that first game against Biarritz who are looking very strong.”

Heineken Cup Pool 2
Round 1 - Glasgow Warriors v Biarritz, Firhill Arena, Saturday 10 October, kick-off 3:45pm. This game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports and France 2.
Round 2 - Newport Gwent Dragons v Glasgow Warriors, Rodney Parade, Friday 16 October, kick-off 7:30pm
Round 3 - Glasgow Warriors v Gloucester Rugby, Firhill Arena, Friday 11 December, kick-off 7:30pm
Round 4 - Gloucester Rugby v Glasgow Warriors, Kingsholm, Sunday 20 December, kick-off 12:45pm. This game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Round 5 - Glasgow Warriors v Newport Gwent Dragons, Firhill Arena, 15/16/17 January
Round 6 - Biarritz Olympique v Glasgow Warriors, Parc des Sports, 22/23/24 January

Knock-out stages
Quarter-finals – 9/10/11 April
Semi-finals – 1/2 May
15th Heineken Cup Final – Stade de France, Paris, Saturday 22 May

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