Noves said to The Irish Times: "Along with Leicester and Toulouse, Munster figured among the big favourites for the title.

"Given Munster's titles and experience, their victory was expected, as was ours the day before (against London Irish) and they managed to impose themselves on Saracens, which not everyone is capable of."

Toulouse have beaten Munster before but also have the motivation to beat the team that defeated Biarritz in the final two years ago.

Noves continued: "This time we will not let ourselves be lulled by the siren's song.

"Neither team will be terribly complex, but ours will still be handicapped as the Munster pack is that of the Irish team, the outhalf O'Gara is an exceptional game leader and the back line is rich in individuals, beginning with Doug Howlett.

"I can say just one thing: if the Munster team is to become champions of Europe, it will be that they'll have truly earned it. For Toulouse, the final can only be a bonus. Either they become heroes by winning or defeat will be considered normal.

"Having avenged Perpignan against London Irish we shall try, all the same, to avenge Biarritz, who were punished by Munster on this same Cardiff pitch in the presence of 50,000 Irish supporters.”