Biarritz ended Wasps' hopes of retaining their European crown as they ground out victory in the final round of Heineken Cup pool games on Saturday.

With Leicester crushing Calvisano, Wasps knew they needed to win and score four tries in France to be sure of progressing from Pool One but they could not break down a resilient Biarritz side.

The champions started well at the Parc des Sports Aguilera and claimed an early try through Ayoola Erinle but could not convert their early pressure into more points.

Tries from Imanol Harinordoquy and Jimmy Marlu gave the French the advantage in a hard-fought game and despite a late Wasps rally they held on to claim top spot in the group.

Wasps had dominated the first half but failed to make the most of their possession and were being held 8-8 at the break.

The French side opened the scoring after three minutes when Damien Traille slotted a drop goal but Wasps soon hit their stride and went in front when Erinle claimed the game's first try.

Stuart Abbott created the ninth-minute opening with a smart pass and centre Erinle could not be stopped as he charged to the line.

The Biarritz pack responded immediately as they drove Harinordoquy over in the corner from close range but Wasps soon regained a measure of control.

Matt Dawson thought he had put the holders back in front when he rolled over the line after racing onto a Mark van Gisbergen pass but Traille prevented him grounding the ball.

Wasps could have levelled when awarded a penalty seven minutes before half-time but Alex King kicked straight at Dimitri Yachvili after opting to look for touch.

The London side did not make the same mistake again when offered another penalty soon after and van Gisbergen landed the match-tying three points.

But Biarritz began to find some fluency late in the first half and went close to a second try in injury time when only a fine tackle by Josh Lewsey denied Yachvili.

Biarritz then made the better start after the break and went back in front on 49 minutes when a powerful drive led to Marlu diving over from a Serge Betsen offload.

Yachvili added the conversion to extend the advantage to 15-8 and, after an earlier miss, landed a penalty 10 minutes from time to put the game beyond Wasps' reach.

With the game slipping away, Wasps could not muster a serious attack in the closing stages and struggled to break out of their own 22.

They did manage one late break three minutes from time and Erinle passed inside to put Tim Payne over. A quick conversion cut the deficit back to three points and made for a nervy last few minutes for Biarritz.

The French side had controlled the second half but one more late lapse would have would have seen Leicester snatch the pool.

But it was too little too late for Wasps and Biarritz held on to claim the win their hard work deserved.