Cardiff lost their proud unbeaten European home record against French opposition as Biarritz proved themselves a class above.

Tries from flanker Christophe Milheres and winger Philippe Bernat-Salles, and a masterly kicking display by Dimitri Yachvili, guaranteed the French club the win.

Cardiff's points came courtesy of five Iestyn Harris penalties as the Blue and Blacks rarely threatened their opponents' tryline.

Despite dominating possession and territory in the opening exchanges, Biarritz found themselves six points down as Harris landed two early penalties.

But flanker Martyn Williams somehow managed to clip his ankle, forcing the Frenchman to stumble to the ground yards from the tryline.

The visitors deservedly drew level soon afterwards as Yachvili kicked two penalties in quick succession.

But Cardiff went into the interval with their noses in front as Harris added his third penalty with a superbly-struck 50-yard effort.

In fact, their advantage could have been even greater had winger Craig Morgan not been stopped in his tracks just two yards from the tryline.

The kicking duel continued straight after the interval as further penalties brought the scores to 12-12 with half an hour to play.

Cardiff were a man down soon afterwards as Peter Rogers was sent to the sin-bin for a needless infringement, and Biarritz immediately made the advantage count.