The Arms Park region became just the third side to beat Biarritz at their home ground in the Heineken Cup, with the Basque outfit even failing to score a try in a reversal of last weekends match.

Biarritz were ranked 3^rd in Europe going into this season, but now become the second high profile French side to be knocked out of the HEC in as many years by the Blues, with Stade Francais last years victims.

But this was something really special, just a second win on French soil in the history of Cardiff Rugby, and one that was based on a solid defence, strict discipline and belief that they are good enough to beat anyone.

Right from the outset, you could see the difference from Cardiff teams of old. In the past we've seen them capitulate in the opening 10 minutes of games as the pressure of facing the big sides forces errors, but Saturday was in stark contrast. A fabulous Ben Blair penalty settled the nerves, before a great kick from Nick Robinson forced Biarritz to track back into their 22. Though the ball was reclaimed by the Benjamin Thiery, his clearance was charged down by the onrushing Gareth Thomas, with Jamie Robinson pouncing on the loose ball over the try line to mark his 10 seasons at the Arms Park in style.

Blair converted to give the visitors a shock 10-0 lead after just 12 minutes, though it was to be their only points of the match.

Damien Traille slotted a long-range penalty as Biarritz looked to get a footing in the match, while he succeeded in a second moments later following a charge down on Nick Robinson's chip attempt.

The match must surely have broken records for the amount of charge downs as Jason Spice, Ben Blair and Robinson all suffered, as did the French side who must have had at least three of their own.

Traille's third penalty attempt hit the post and turned out to be a decisive miss. Had the French International converted the effort, a one point gap would surely have gone on to have a greater effect on the game, as it was, the four points meant Biarritz would have to keep looking for the try come the second half.

Half Time

Biarritz 6 Cardiff Blues 10

Following some more aerial ping pong in the Basque mire, Biarritz got their hands on the ball and decided to test the Cardiff defence. For over eight minutes BO were camped in the visitors 22, but the closest they came was being held up over the line by a combination of Gareth and Martyn Williams.

The home side burrowed around the fringes of the ruck making the small yards for large durations, but following their unsuccessful venture over the Blues line, they found themselves going either backwards or sideways as a highly disciplined and motivated Cardiff refused to give an inch.

Eventually, after what seemed an eternity for fans, the Biarritz patience ran out, and the move ended with a rash drop goal attempt that barely came close to the posts.

That was the moment that Dai Young and his men knew they could go the distance. The failed drop goal was met with cheers and signs of congratulations from the players to one another, as their confidence picked up once more.

For struggling Biarritz Olympic however, it was a crushing blow.

The match continued with plenty of kicks from end to end, some more successful than others and Jamie Robinson put a ball out on the full, and brother Nicky sliced one so badly it literally went backwards, but it was the sort of mistakes both sides were making given the sodden and windy conditions.

Tom James came on for Leigh Halfpenny with about 20 minutes to go and proved a real nuisance, while Andy Powell too was a handful in open play. Cardiff tried to play out the match with as much ball in the opposition half as possible, suffocating the home side as time ticked on.

And in the end, the 4 point gap proved too much to overcome, as a second half score line of 0-0 meant Cardiff held on to claim what must surely be their most impressive victory.

It means the Quarter Finals are in touching distance for the Arms Park region, as they look to qualify from their pool for the second year running. With 4 wins from 4, 18 points from 20 and a home tie against Calvisano to come, it's all but confirmed that Cardiff will go through, however Gloucester can still pip us to the top spot should they claim maximum points against us at Kingsholm and Biarritz away.

Full Time

Biarritz 6 Cardiff Blues 10

After the match, Ben Blair who was absolutely key in the win said,

"We did really well apart from probably a record amount of charge-downs between myself, Nicky and Spicy. It was a really hard day to play any rugby, it was just one of the days to get it into their half. We knew we had to get down there and do the job second half but, yeah, it was touch-and-go really."

His thoughts were echoed by Director of Rugby Dai Young, who as ever remained calm and modest,

"We're not going to start talking about the quarter-finals with two big games remaining, but we are very pleased with this result. I'm proud of the character the boys showed to pull off this win. We knew this was never going to be easy in France and the conditions meant it wouldn't be pretty. But this was all about who wanted it most and which team was prepared to put their bodies on the line for the win."

Ben Blair; Leigh Halfpenny, Jamie Robinson, Tom Shanklin, Gareth Thomas; Nick Robinson, Jason Spice; Gethin Jenkins, Gareth Williams, Gary Powell, Deiniol Jones, Paul Tito (capt), Ma'ama Molitika, Martyn Williams, Andy Powell.

Taufa'ao Filise for G. Williams (60), T Rhys Thomas for G. Powell (60), Scott Morgan, Robin Sowden-Taylor for M. Williams (76), Darren Allinson, Ceri Sweeney, Tom James for Halfpenny (66).

Biarritz 6
Pens: Traille, Peyrelongue.

Blues (10) 10
Try: J Robinson. Con: Blair. Pen: Blair.

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