Ian Whitten is set to face Biarritz on Sunday

Ulster centre Ian Whitten says he is relishing the prospect of taking on Biarritz in Sunday's Heineken Cup Pool Four clash.

Whitten is likely to partner Paddy Wallace at centre as Darren Cave is struggling to overcome a knee injury.

"Our preparation has been along the usual lines but everyone knows that this is a big European game.

This is an opportunity to achieve something really special for Ulster," said Whitten.

"Confidence is high after our unbeaten start to the season and we have been playing well in patches but it is all about getting results and tightening up on a few things.

"Biarritz are one of the top teams in Europe, who showed that they are capable of grinding out a result by their victory over Bath.

"Dimitri Yachvili and Imanol Harinordoquy are very good players but we have very good players ourselves and are capable of winning.

"We must go out and play as we can - we've looked at videos of them and the opportunities are there for us.

"I made my Ulster debut against Stade Francais in the Heineken Cup and it's always very special and nice to be involved."

Whitten's brother Alan is also now part of the Ulster squad and came on as a replacement against Aironi on Friday night.

"It's great to have my brother in the panel and he's done really well - he's working hard at Instonians and will hopefully get a few more appearances for Ulster."

Springbok Pedrie Wannenburg added that the prospect of a first win on French soil was motivating the Ulster players.

"Every week is a big game for us and the guys are confident that we can win, but we're taking nothing for granted," he said.

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