Perpignan lock Rimas Alvarez-Kairelis - a try-scorer in their triumph over Munster in Round 5 - admits they can only go for a win in Viadana on Saturday and then trust to Lady Luck in the quarter-final shake-down.

If Pool 2 ends up in a three-way tie then Perpignan have done all they can do in the matches that count for ranking and qualification.

"It was an important victory for us against Munster because having reached two finals already, they are regarded as one of the best sides in Europe," he said.

"Unfortunately, our destiny is still to a certain extent out of our hands because if Gloucester win in Munster, we will have to battle it out for one of the two runners-up places.

"What makes us even more determined is the fact that we feel we are good enough to go on to the knock-out stages. Last season, we were beaten at home by a point by the best side in England but this season we have improved so much that we are now good enough to beat the best in England and the second best in Europe.

"A big bonus for us has been the arrival and performances of Manny Edmonds. Before he came from Australia, we were playing well as forwards and well as backs but were not combining. It took Manny some time to settle in but over the past few weeks, we have gelled as a side and Manny has played a big part in that. He has been the link that has turned our season around."