Gloucester really are hanging by a thread in this season's Heineken Cup ahead of tonight's trip to Biarritz.

They need to win down in the south-west corner of France – which is a difficult enough task as it is – and then hope other results go their way.

That feeling of helplessness, when events are out of your own control, is one you certainly do not want going into the final weekend of Heineken Cup pool action.

Gloucester's home defeat to Cardiff Blues has really left them needing a miracle – and while I tipped Cardiff as a dark horse to win this season's competition, I also felt Gloucester would beat them at Kingsholm.

Gloucester weren't particularly good against the 14 men of Cardiff last weekend, but I also think it is important to salute the Welsh side for one of the great performances of the season so far.

They were tactically spot-on and knew exactly when to kick and when to keep hold of the ball. They defended well and made life tough for Gloucester, who never quite had the firepower or know-how to break them down.

Biarritz are a dangerous opponent regardless of their form or whether or not they can still reach the last eight. They have great players who know they have underachieved this season and they will make life very tough for Gloucester tonight.

Gloucester will have to go to Biarritz and play extremely well – a lot better than they did against Cardiff – if they are to have any chance of winning.

For different reasons, this is a massive game for both clubs – and I would not be at all surprised if Biarritz won.

But even if Gloucester can find a big performance and win the game, they will still face a nervous weekend as they wait for results elsewhere to come through.

Bristol are in European Challenge Cup action against Montpellier on Sunday and they know another win will see them build momentum ahead of that big Guinness Premiership game against Newcastle.

Bristol have won three games all season – and two of those were against Toulon, which doesn't say an awful lot for them in fairness.

Not too many Bristolians will be especially cock-a-hoop about beating Toulon, but that being said, a win is a win.

Another victory on Sunday would be another little boost for Bristol, although February 13 remains the date on everyone's minds.