HEC SF: Clermont Auvergne vs Leinster; Sunday 29 April, KO 1600(CET); Live Sky Sports

CouchSmart

Clermont Auvergne: TBA

Leinster: TBA

It's semi final time again and as always the Heineken Cup has lived up to it's great reputation. An absolutely mouth watering clash awaits both of these teams in Stade Chaban Delmas, Bordeaux. As the designated home team Clermont have a distinct advantage with a huge number of their fans expected to travel to see their team compete in it's first ERC semi final. They won't have it all their own way though as it's expected that the number of Leinster fans, making the trek to French south-west, will be in the thousands.

Both teams are now considered heavy weights of the European game, yet Clermont have failed up to this year to really make a mark in the prestigious tournament. Most notably it is Leinster who have been the cause of their demise for the past two seasons, knocking them out at the quarter final stages two years and ago, and qualifying ahead of them from their group last year. While this may look to make Leinster keen favourites, not many fans will forget just how close Leinster came from being defeated in their own backyard in the quarter final two years ago. An epic battle awaits both sets of players.

Generals:

Calls on how the team play and when they move the ball falls largely on each teams half-back general. In Morgan Parra Clermont have the top European scrum-half. Always talking, making his forwards work hard, this Frenchman was born to play rugby. His kicking from hand or off the tee is hard to fault and his superb passing and breaking skills make him an absolute nightmare to play against. Likewise, Leinster will be relying on Jonathan Sexton, their star number 10, to control their game. Not afraid to speak his mind during a game he'll be demanding the ball from his half-back partner once the team starts moving forward. His own running game makes him as much of a threat with the ball as his passing it. Both players can get a little caught up in the heat of the moment, but at this level you've got to keep your head for the whole 80 minutes. Expect both to play a huge roll in the outcome of this game.

Master or the Pretender:

Depending upon selections, this weekend we'll get to see what should be a fantastic clash between the ever present Brian O'Driscoll and young, brilliant Wesley Fofana. Many an up and coming centre who has had stardom waiting for him has be dumped back down to earth by the talismanic Irish 13. Having missed the 6 nations through injury O'Driscoll missed his chance to line out against the headline winning Fofana, who had a sensational tournament himself, scoring 4 tries in his first 4 games for France. His fortuitous try against Ireland still sticks out as a sore point for many Irish fans. Would he have been as fortunate had O'Driscoll been on the pitch?

Grunt up Front:

As always in rugby, the real battle will begin in the forwards. These two teams have top class tight fives and dynamic, harding running backrowers that most other teams would kill for. The spotlight will be stolen by the clash of ex-Leinster player Nathan Hines and All Black, World Cup winning lock, Brad Thorn. Hard, physical games are what these players want and they usually get just that. Expect absolutely no holds barred when these two packs meet, I know I'll be bracing myself for the first collision.

As tight a game as there's been in years. Neither team has obvious faults. It's totally 50:50 going into it but being a proud Leinster supporter, I'll have to go with Leinster to win by 6.

----

I've taken pictures from various sites. Hopefully there's no issue with them but let me know and I'll take them down or credit them properly.

Fishooks12

So hard to call

Best team in the competiton but they're coming up against the second best at home

Hopefully Leinster edge it to set up an all Irish final

danthefan

Home advantage to see Clermont through I fear.

Tox56

I do think Leinster's experience will help, the whole team has been there and done it (twice in most cases). I don't think they will be intimidated by the occasion, whereas a HEC win would probably be more significant for Clermont.

Still, these are top quality players, and litteraly anything could happen.

irishbucsfan

The news of Nacewa re-signing will be a great boost to everyone. Can't wait for this classic now.

ongarite

irishbucsfan wrote: »

The news of Nacewa re-signing will be a great boost to everyone. Can't wait for this classic now.

He has!! Where can I find this wonderful news??

danthefan

irishbucsfan wrote: »

The news of Nacewa re-signing will be a great boost to everyone. Can't wait for this classic now.

Explain.

fitz

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2012/0426/1224315192700.html

chris85

Great news about Nacewa. Really looking forward to this clash as well. Gonna be one of the epic battle of a Heineken Cup which has been great this year. Some great battles went on.

Leinster by 5

durkadurka

Leinster by a shred. I think it'll come down to kicks.

thomond2006

This is going to be ****ing epic.

I'm going to be in London for this. Was selfishly cheering Sarries on the quarters with the hope of being at it live as a result.

Where should I be going to see the game? Will be staying around the Clapham area...

I'm horribly nervous. I love/hate playing Clermont, they're a fearless team, and not afraid to play positive rugby. It's going to be a tough slog for whomever comes out of this one!

fitz

I waver between believing we'll do it and wondering if Clermont in France is a step too far.
This, without doubt, is the closest and most competitive clash of the whole tournament this year. Either side could do it.

Gut-wrenchingly nervous, but if we win...I think whoever takes this is going to be unstoppable in the final.

fitz

Deleted User wrote: »

I'm going to be in London for this. Was selfishly cheering Sarries on the quarters with the hope of being at it live as a result.

Where should I be going to see the game? Will be staying around the Clapham area...

I'm horribly nervous. I love/hate playing Clermont, they're a fearless team, and not afraid to play positive rugby. It's going to be a tough slog for whomever comes out of this one!

This. They're not unlike Leinster in that regard, and that's what makes me so nervy.

They're also fierce competitors, with an amazing set of fans (perhaps some of the best anywhere imo), so as an occassion, this really is going to be epic.

bamboozle

on paper there's very little between the teams, if anything we're playing the better rugby while they have a stronger squad. My fear is the memories of their painful defeat to us 2 years ago will motivate them to a slight 3-5 point victory.

irishbucsfan

Madison Wide Toad wrote: »

I'm going to be in London for this. Was selfishly cheering Sarries on the quarters with the hope of being at it live as a result.

Where should I be going to see the game? Will be staying around the Clapham area...

I'm horribly nervous. I love/hate playing Clermont, they're a fearless team, and not afraid to play positive rugby. It's going to be a tough slog for whomever comes out of this one!

If you want to head into Covent garden the porterhouse there is as good as you'll get. OLSCs base in London. I would be there myself but I'm going to a christening.

I don't know how long christenings take, but if it overlaps with my religion ill be straight up out of there. I have to find a rugby pub in Essex which will be a challenge I'd imagine...

Cmon you boys in blue!

peterako

So nervous about this one....and equally...so excited!

Images of teh last big Leinster v Clermont Match keep on popping into my head. And although we won that one it was sooooo close.....

At the worst...will get to watch the match with my 7 year old (fast becomming a serious Leinster Fan ).

At the best.....the sky's the limit!

Be interesting to see ho Schmitt calls it team wise.

COME ON LEINSTER!!!

Gracelessly Tom

Heading off first thing Sat morning for this, long way round to save a few quid for a glass or two of vin rouge. Real trains, planes and automobiles sort of job!

Can't wait now, promises to be an epic game, classic in the making. Nervous and excited in equal measure, reckon Leinster's experience to shade it by a close margin.

C'mon Leinster!!!

Quint2010

I am about 60:40 that Leinster will win this. Reigning champions, no injuries, team full of leaders. Whats more-they look incredibly hungry to do back to back titles. No it won't be easy-in fact it will be incredibly hard. But Clermont's home advantage is somewhat negated by not playing at their home stadium, they are unproven at this stage (they bottled it in the quarters two years ago) and have injury problems. There has been nothing from the Leinster camp all week (save for a small Sexton interview)-they have been in lock-down whereas Clermont have been all over the press talking up Leinster etc. Leinster won't be buying this, won't underestimate them and have the amoury and bench to run out five point winners.

Teferi

This is how I have been feeling this week. So excited for this match, gonna be a cracker.

shuffol

Think Leinster will do it myself, its about as tough a challenge as you could get but I dont think the players would have it any other way, a win in an away semi in France is something seldom achieved and I think its the type of test this group of players will crave considering how succesful they've been in recent years. If they go on to win the tournament after such a difficult draw they should rightly be considered the finest side in the history of the tournament.

ionadnapokot

will Para be on kicking duties?
there are so many great match ups all over the field.
i haven't looked forward to a game so much since the world cup:(
C'mon Leinster!!

.ak

ionadnapokot wrote: »

will Para be on kicking duties?
there are so many great match ups all over the field.
i haven't looked forward to a game so much since the world cup:(
C'mon Leinster!!

Ew, you looked forward to games in the World Cup?


Joking...


Can't wait for this, also flying out early saturday, already a bag of nerves... I wouldn't dare call the result, the teams are so evenly matched it could go either way, and we'll just have to see what team plays on the day. I hope that Leinster keep their work ethos mentality into this game, and show the strength and cool-headedness that they showed in last years final.

Hippo

That sneaky little tosser really talented player Parra will kick everything. If we go a couple of scores behind there'll be no coming back this time, and I think the team's lack of a really serious examination this season could be crucial, notwithstanding the experience they have. This is the only game this season where I honestly think they stand a better than even chance of losing. This what my head tells me, but my heart hopes for something different!

Felexicon

Very worried by the fact that Wayne Barnes is the ref.
Irish teams generally come out on the losing side when he's involved and even more so away from home

spank_inferno

ASM Cleremont by 5+ points.

Though I pray I am wrong.

durkadurka

The prospect of this game is loosening my stools to a worrying degree.

Gracelessly Tom

Hippo wrote: »

That sneaky little tosser really talented player Parra will kick everything. If we go a couple of scores behind there'll be no coming back this time, and I think the team's lack of a really serious examination this season could be crucial, notwithstanding the experience they have. This is the only game this season where I honestly think they stand a better than even chance of losing. This what my head tells me, but my heart hopes for something different!

Parra won't be kicking, James will be the man tasked with that job, lets just hope he has a repeat of the 1/4 two years ago in the RDS!

While it is an away semi the fact it is not being played in a ground Clermont are regulars in will negate some of the home semi factor. Really think Leinsters pedigree will shine through in the end.

Brewster

Leinster could not have a got a tougher assignment in the semis. That Clermont team are littered with some hard nosed characters in addition to some fine rugby players!

fitz

Felexicon wrote: »

Very worried by the fact that Wayne Barnes is the ref.
Irish teams generally come out on the losing side when he's involved and even more so away from home

My brain had blocked out the fact that Barnes was reffing.
This reminder has not helped my confidence levels.

ionadnapokot

Gracelessly Tom wrote: »

Parra won't be kicking, James will be the man tasked with that job, lets just hope he has a repeat of the 1/4 two years ago in the RDS!

While it is an away semi the fact it is not being played in a ground Clermont are regulars in will negate some of the home semi factor. Really think Leinsters pedigree will shine through in the end.

Interesting. Para kicked when they played in Dec '10. James kicks ahead of Para in Top 14?

Gracelessly Tom

ionadnapokot wrote: »

Interesting. Para kicked when they played in Dec '10. James kicks ahead of Para in Top 14?

That was in the December group games, not sure if it had something to do with the Q final crumble James suffered in April that year.

James kicked them to victory against Sarries in the Q final so he'll be kicking on Sunday. Or at least until he gets the yips again and starts missing them (please, please, please....)

molloyjh

Gracelessly Tom wrote: »

While it is an away semi the fact it is not being played in a ground Clermont are regulars in will negate some of the home semi factor.

I'm not convinced by this at all. Yes it's not their home ground, but the Stade Marcel-Michelin only holds 18k. If the game were to be there then there would be about 1-2k Leinster fans meaning only about 16-17k Clermont fans. With a capacity of 34k in Bordeaux, and only about 1-2k Leinster fans travelling, that means (neutral support aside) the rest will be Clermont fans. Probably around 30k of them. If anything that amplifies the home advantage. And having been in the Stade Marcel Michelin before that thought frightens me more than the thought of Barnes and co officiating.

I still think we can scrape a win, but if we do it will only be by a couple of points. For as much as it's the 2 best teams in the tournament it could still be a dog fight and probably not the prettiest of games. I expect to be puckered from start to finish and screaming at Johnny to drop back into the pocket at about 78 mins.

fitz

molloyjh wrote: »

I'm not convinced by this at all. Yes it's not their home ground, but the Stade Marcel-Michelin only holds 18k. If the game were to be there then there would be about 1-2k Leinster fans meaning only about 16-17k Clermont fans. With a capacity of 34k in Bordeaux, and only about 1-2k Leinster fans travelling, that means (neutral support aside) the rest will be Clermont fans. Probably around 30k of them. If anything that amplifies the home advantage. And having been in the Stade Marcel Michelin before that thought frightens me more than the thought of Barnes and co officiating.

I still think we can scrape a win, but if we do it will only be by a couple of points. For as much as it's the 2 best teams in the tournament it could still be a dog fight and probably not the prettiest of games. I expect to be puckered from start to finish and screaming at Johnny to drop back into the pocket at about 78 mins.

It's not going to be good for the blood pressure, that's for sure....

.ak

fitz wrote: »

It's not going to be good for the blood pressure, that's for sure....

I think I'll be standing for the match....

Gracelessly Tom

molloyjh wrote: »

I'm not convinced by this at all. Yes it's not their home ground, but the Stade Marcel-Michelin only holds 18k. If the game were to be there then there would be about 1-2k Leinster fans meaning only about 16-17k Clermont fans. With a capacity of 34k in Bordeaux, and only about 1-2k Leinster fans travelling, that means (neutral support aside) the rest will be Clermont fans. Probably around 30k of them. If anything that amplifies the home advantage. And having been in the Stade Marcel Michelin before that thought frightens me more than the thought of Barnes and co officiating.

I can see your argument alright, and there is the fact that the stadium is bigger so more fans can get in. However, and I stand to be corrected, I can't see it being a straight split between Leinster and Clermont fans. You mention the neutral fans but I think there will be quite a few of these and also, don't forget the thousands of Irish expats living in France and Europe who will have bought tickets through France and will make the trip as well.

ionadnapokot

Gracelessly Tom wrote: »

That was in the December group games, not sure if it had something to do with the Q final crumble James suffered in April that year.

James kicked them to victory against Sarries in the Q final so he'll be kicking on Sunday. Or at least until he gets the yips again and starts missing them (please, please, please....)

it would be strange if Clermont put James in that position again. esp with a kicker of Para's calibre on the pitch.
Here hoping your right and James tees it up on Sunday.

.ak

James has been kicking great in the T14, and did a number on the Sarries with his boot. He'll be kicking.

Doesn't matter who's kicking, we should be thinking of NOT conceding penalties...

Gracelessly Tom

ionadnapokot wrote: »

it would be strange if Clermont put James in that position again. esp with a kicker of Para's calibre on the pitch.
Here hoping your right and James tees it up on Sunday.

Not really that strange seeing as he's their regular kicker and was MotM against Sarries in the last round due to his kicking display.

Gracelessly Tom

.ak wrote: »

James has been kicking great in the T14, and did a number on the Sarries with his boot. He'll be kicking.

Doesn't matter who's kicking, we should be thinking of NOT conceding penalties...

Barnes is the ref don't forget......;)

d-gal

Praying Leinster win for Connacht's HC participation next year but I can't see past Clermont practically at home. They are just so physical with genius backs out wide.
Team selection is vital but no matter what it looks like Clermont have the stronger bench and that is crazy depth since Leinster are now so well known for their impact of the bench.

The only chance I give Leinster is : Brad Thorn. If he dominates Cudmore and Hines then Clermont are in trouble. The man is a machine and seems to be doing more work around the park than any backrower. Amazing for his age

molloyjh

Gracelessly Tom wrote: »

I can see your argument alright, and there is the fact that the stadium is bigger so more fans can get in. However, and I stand to be corrected, I can't see it being a straight split between Leinster and Clermont fans. You mention the neutral fans but I think there will be quite a few of these and also, don't forget the thousands of Irish expats living in France and Europe who will have bought tickets through France and will make the trip as well.

Clermont sold their 15k allocation in a couple of hours and even at that some where trying to buy Leinster allocated tickets. Add to that a good few numbers buying public sale and I can see there being 25k easily enough. Part of me is loving the thought cos it'll be a great spectacle, but I also realise that they will drown us out most likely too. I do hope I'm wrong though....

brash_piano

I agree that this game is the sort of challenge this Leinster team will be looking for at this stage in their evolution. It's a fair enough point to say that Leinster haven't been tested this season (apart from first game away to Montpellier) but the bloodless nature of their campaign so far bodes well for the kind of mindset the squad has at the moment. I would look to the away victories at munster and ulster also for evidence of this. I get the feeling that when this squad is pushed they'll have the ability increase speed and accuracy to levels that other teams in hcup won't be able to deal with.

I think Clermont are a quality side no doubt and semi-finals are volatile, one-off fixtures. I think home advantage and the ref are huge issues. If we think back to Leinster's bonus point loss at Stade MM last season and Ulster's this year, both those games hinged on poor referring decisions. That also tells us something about Clermont. They've been beaten away from home by Ulster already this year, almost beaten at home by Ulster.

Sure you can argue that Leinster haven't been tested. But having said that, for the knockout stages Leinster have been able to introduce two of the best players in world rugby at the moment in O'Driscoll and Thorn. I think Leinster are the better team by a considerable distance. Whether home advantage and the ref neutralize this is the big question for me.

Gracelessly Tom

d-gal wrote: »

Praying Leinster win for Connacht's HC participation next year but I can't see past Clermont practically at home. They are just so physical with genius backs out wide.
Team selection is vital but no matter what it looks like Clermont have the stronger bench and that is crazy depth since Leinster are now so well known for their impact of the bench.

The only chance I give Leinster is : Brad Thorn. If he dominates Cudmore and Hines then Clermont are in trouble. The man is a machine and seems to be doing more work around the park than any backrower. Amazing for his age

As are Leinster!

Really? Totally disagree with you there going on the 1/4 final selections. Also impossible to call as the squads aren't announced yet!

So it's all down to Brad Thorn? You honestly think that none of the other battles on the pitch will make a difference? Sexton v James? 6,7,8 V 6,7,8?

totallegend

d-gal wrote: »

Praying Leinster win for Connacht's HC participation next year but I can't see past Clermont practically at home. They are just so physical with genius backs out wide.
Team selection is vital but no matter what it looks like Clermont have the stronger bench and that is crazy depth since Leinster are now so well known for their impact of the bench.

The only chance I give Leinster is : Brad Thorn. If he dominates Cudmore and Hines then Clermont are in trouble. The man is a machine and seems to be doing more work around the park than any backrower. Amazing for his age

Likely benches:
Clermont: Paulo, Debaty, Kotze, Pierre, Bardy, Radoslavejic (sp?), King, Buttin
Leinster: Cronin, van der Merwe, White, Toner, Jennings, Boss, Madigan, McFadden

I don't see a huge difference there tbh. That Kotze guy is a bit of a beast alright but I won't be panicking if Clermont start emptying the bench. They also lack a recognised out-half on the bench...

.ak

One thing is for sure, the noise levels will be something else. The Clermont fans will be at their usual best, and we [the Leinster fans] will be making noise whenever they are not, so it'll be pure noise for 80 minutes!

fitz

.ak wrote: »

I think I'll be standing for the match....

I'm sure I'll have a seat, but much like the final last year, I can't see myself staying in it for very long. Will probably be up and down like a yoyo roaring at the screen...

GerM

totallegend wrote: »

They also lack a recognised out-half on the bench...

Their recognised back up outhalf is playing at 9. Any issue, Parra has more than enough experience to slot in there.

Would agree that there's no difference in the benches. Most would argue that Leinster even have the upper hand in that department. A lot more big game experience on the predicted Leinster bench.

d-gal

totallegend wrote: »

d-gal wrote: »

Praying Leinster win for Connacht's HC participation next year but I can't see past Clermont practically at home. They are just so physical with genius backs out wide.
Team selection is vital but no matter what it looks like Clermont have the stronger bench and that is crazy depth since Leinster are now so well known for their impact of the bench.

The only chance I give Leinster is : Brad Thorn. If he dominates Cudmore and Hines then Clermont are in trouble. The man is a machine and seems to be doing more work around the park than any backrower. Amazing for his age

Likely benches:
Clermont: Paulo, Debaty, Kotze, Pierre, Bardy, Radoslavejic (sp?), King, Buttin
Leinster: Cronin, van der Merwe, White, Toner, Jennings, Boss, Madigan, McFadden

I don't see a huge difference there tbh. That Kotze guy is a bit of a beast alright but I won't be panicking if Clermont start emptying the bench. They also lack a recognised out-half on the bench...

Parra replacement outhalf.
The bench is just so bloody big and physical, its scary and I just think that crazy home vocal support adds to it. If its an open game Leinster have a great chance due to more flair and dynamism of the bench.
But it should be all about who is on top in the forwards

Tox56

d-gal wrote: »

Parra replacement outhalf.
The bench is just so bloody big and physical, its scary and I just think that crazy home vocal support adds to it. If its an open game Leinster have a great chance due to more flair and dynamism of the bench.
But it should be all about who is on top in the forwards

Having 7 Heineken Cup winners on your bench is significant. There is also a mix of experience with Boss, Jennings, VdM, and McFadden, combined with the youth and flair of Cronin, Toner, Madigan.

Although, I don't know how confident I would be seeing Madigan coming on before the game is won.

conf101

Tox56 wrote: »

Although, I don't know how confident I would be seeing Madigan coming on before the game is won.

I wonder would a lot of people have said the very same thing about Sexton in '09?