EPCR SEMI-FINAL V CLERMONT

[Cianostays]

If our pack can match theirs I think our fast paced game will be too much for them in the final 20 mins. It'll be interesting to see if we try and play fast from the start or use guys who could really speed things up from the bench.

[fourthirtythree]

I'd be surprised if we don't try to play it fast from the start.

It's how we beat Clermont, when we beat them.

[Cor. Ind.]

On paper it's a very average Clermont team. Rougerie must be pushing 40 and guys like Spedding, Abendenan and Lamerat are so one paced. Foufana & Nakiataki are massive losses. Parra looked a shadow of the man in the QF and Lopez is a bed wetter waiting to happen a la a Brock James. The pack are bunch of bruisers with little skill set. Hard to distinguish them from a team Toulouse. Better coaching I suppose. The only way Clermont can win is if they make it a dogfight and or Leinster malfunction.

[erskinechilders]

Nigel Owens reffing our game, Poite reffing Munster

[johng]

Nigel Owens reffing our game

Woooohoooo!!!!!

[Leoslovechild]

On paper it's a very average Clermont team. Rougerie must be pushing 40 and guys like Spedding, Abendenan and Lamerat are so one paced. Foufana & Nakiataki are massive losses. Parra looked a shadow of the man in the QF and Lopez is a bed wetter waiting to happen a la a Brock James. The pack are bunch of bruisers with little skill set. Hard to distinguish them from a team Toulouse. Better coaching I suppose. The only way Clermont can win is if they make it a dogfight and or Leinster malfunction.

Yep there are a useless team all right.Probably why they are number 1 seeds and have knocked out Ulster,Bordeaux,Exeter and Toulon and are playing at home...But no better than Toulouse...Pull the other one will ya!

[Sionnach]

Nigel Owens reffing our game

Woooohoooo!!!!!

Nige is a "homer" in my experience. Good ref, and I know it's technically neutral venue but he takes influence from the crowd perhaps.

[johng]

1 We know Nige like the back of our hand since he refs in our league.

2 he reffed all 3 of our knockout games in our first hc win. All of which were technically away games.

3 he will let murder go at the breakdown.

4 he will get in a few one liners.


5 see 1 etc

[fourthirtythree]

He doesn't enforce the high tackle rule rigidly (or, sometimes at all) and has a bit of a boys will be boys attitude to some shenanigans at the moment which is a worry.

[simonokeeffe]

Nigel Owens reffing our game

Woooohoooo!!!!!

Nige is a "homer" in my experience. Good ref, and I know it's technically neutral venue but he takes influence from the crowd perhaps.

am pretty sure we can out banter the French; make Nugget captain and we'll win

[wixfjord]

Clermont have gone understrength this weekend too.

Interesting that Raka is back.

[matt]

Clermont have gone understrength this weekend too.

Interesting that Raka is back.

6 likely starters for Sunday week - Vahaamina, Lee & Chouly in the pack with Lopez, Abendanon & one of Strettle/Penaud/Stanley/Plante to replace Nakaitaci. Also Parra & Iturria on the bench.

That compares with only Triggs, L.McGrath & possibly Adam Byrne of our starting 15 against Connacht likely to start against Clermont. No 14 only big call in backs while I expect Strauss to play first 50 & Cronin last 30 at hooker.

Pleased Owens is ref. He is still one of the best 2 refs in Europe along with Garces.

[Ruckedtobits]

Possibly the most notably selections for Clermont are the returns of Strettle and Lapandry from injury with Debaty on the bench. Plante on the wing is another contender for match day selection against Leinster.

The big difference between selections is that Clermont are in the middle of a poor run in the Top 14 with recent losses against Brive, Racing92, Castres, Montpellier since mid-March. Four losses in six games is not the form to take into a European semi-final

[Cor. Ind.]

*** Edited by Mod ***

[riocard911]

*** Edited by Mod ***

Perhaps you could toddle off and take your facile remarks with you, instead of trying to provoke and annoy people.

[Peg Leg]

*** Edited by Mod **"

won't someone think of the children?

[Grumpy Old Man]

Perhaps you could toddle off and take your facile remarks with you, instead of trying to provoke and annoy people.

Why quote him? Some of us have him blocked.

[Cianostays]

Perhaps you could toddle off and take your facile remarks with you, instead of trying to provoke and annoy people.

Why quote him? Some of us have him blocked.

To ensure you can share the outrage

Does anybody know where highlights of the Grenoble match will be shown? Kick off is at 17:30 today.

[wixfjord]

Clermont beat Grenoble 18-59 today.
Not a bad way to gear up for the semi.

[nelly the elephant]

Clermont beat Grenoble 18-59 today.
Not a bad way to gear up for the semi.

With their "second team"??? Gulp!