Clermont vs BT Sport Saracens, Saturday 3:15pm 18 April (Irish time); BT 1

thomond2006

Jamie's gonna get you....

Clermont:
15 Nick Abendanon, 14 Noa Nakaitaci, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 Wesley Fofana, 11 Naipolioni Nalaga, 10 Brock James, 9 Ludovic Radoslavjevic,
8 Damien Chouly (c), 7 Julien Bardy, 6 Julien Bonnaire, 5 Sébastien Vahaamahina, 4 Jamie Cudmore, 3 Davit Zirakashvili, 2 Benjamin Kayser, 1 Vincent Debaty.

Replacements: 16 John Ulugia, 17 Raphael Chaume, 18 Clément Ric, 19 Julien Pierre, 20 Alexandre Lapandry, 21 Morgan Parra, 22 Camille Lopez, 23 Aurélien Rougerie.

Saracens:
15 Alex Goode, 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Marcelo Bosch, 12 Brad Barritt (c), 11 Chris Wyles, 10 Charlie Hodgson, 9 Richard Wigglesworth,
8 Billy Vunipola, 7 Jacques Burger, 6 Maro Itoje, 5 Jim Hamilton, 4 George Kruis, 3 Petrus du Plessis, 2 Jamie George, 1 Mako Vunipola.

Replacements: 16 Schalk Brits, 17 Rhys Gill, 18 James Johnston, 19 Kelly Brown, 20 Jackson Wray, 21 Neil de Kock, 22 Owen Farrell, 23 David Strettle.

So it's everyone's favourite second team Clermont against the team one loves to hate in Nigel Wray's Saracens. St Etienne plays host to the re-match of last year's semi-final where Clermont were utterly demolished by a rampant Saracens team who reached their first European final. Instead of a half-full Twickenham, Stade Geoffroy-Guichard will be filled to the brim with the racuous Yellow Army as they encourage their team on to a first trophy since the Top14 in 2010.

Clermont will not have forgotten last year's humilation at Twickenham.

Clermont showed what they are capable of when they are switched in their ruthless dispatch of current Premiership champions Northampton Saints. When on song they are a pleasure to watch, they bring a powerful intensity while players like Fofana and a revitalised Nick Abendanon dazzle with pace and footwork. Saracens were fortunate to win at a shapeless Racing Metro side who were their own worst enemy, conceding a penalty inside their own half that could drive a coach to an early grave! Like them or hate them, Saracens are a well drilled side that are capable of grinding out wins they shouldn't.

Prediction: In front of a 'home' crowd, you have to give the advantage to Clermont. With Vern Cotter gone perhaps this is finally the time when Clermont can banish their habit of disappointing at the knockout stages. Saracens offer too much strength in defence for this to be a comfortable win for Clermont and despite all the vomit inducing cheerleading they will receive from the fair and balanced coverage of the BT Sport commentary, the French team's quality should convert enough opportunities to earn the victory. The late introduction of first choice halfbacks Morgan Parra and Camille Lopez as well as the iconic hometown hero Aurelien Rougerie will prove crucial if the game remains in the balance in the last 20 minutes. Plus if we all really get behind Clermont on the forum, there's no way they can lose? Right? RIGHT? The gushing of BT Sport after a Saracens win just doesn't bear thinking about. Please win Clermont, please. Clermont by 7 and with Jim Hamilton and Jamie Cudmore both on the field, my money's on a card.

QUI NE SAUT PAS N'EST PAS AUVERGNAT!

Cookiemunster

Saracens (Please ban me)

ICI ICI C'EST MONTFERRAND!!!!!!

vienne86

Saracens (Please ban me)

C'mon Clermont - ALLEZ ALLEZ ALLEZ!

Brewster

Ah look, think people go a little over the top in their criticism of Sarries. They are coached by Mark McCall, a gentleman of the game who has done a fantastic job there and doesn't always get the credit he deserves this side of the sea. So if Sarries go there and win good luck to them. People are also OTT in the criticism of BT sport. Their coverage is fantastic, they are a British company supporting a British team, is this really such a crime given the demographic of their audience?

vienne86

Saracens (Please ban me)

Brewster wrote: »

Ah look, think people go a little over the top in their criticism of Sarries. They are coached by Mark McCall, a gentleman of the game who has done a fantastic job there and doesn't always get the credit he deserves this side of the sea. So if Sarries go there and win good luck to them. People are also OTT in the criticism of BT sport. Their coverage is fantastic, they are a British company supporting a British team, is this really such a crime given the demographic of their audience?

I'm just not a fan of BT or of Sarries, but I AM a fan of Clermont and I will root for them as long as they are not playing an Irish team.

Tox56

Brewster wrote: »

Ah look, think people go a little over the top in their criticism of Sarries. They are coached by Mark McCall, a gentleman of the game who has done a fantastic job there and doesn't always get the credit he deserves this side of the sea. So if Sarries go there and win good luck to them. People are also OTT in the criticism of BT sport. Their coverage is fantastic, they are a British company supporting a British team, is this really such a crime given the demographic of their audience?

It'd be much less of a problem if we in Ireland weren't forced to listen to it if we want to watch the rugby.

Brewster

Brewster wrote: »

Ah look, think people go a little over the top in their criticism of Sarries. They are coached by Mark McCall, a gentleman of the game who has done a fantastic job there and doesn't always get the credit he deserves this side of the sea. So if Sarries go there and win good luck to them. People are also OTT in the criticism of BT sport. Their coverage is fantastic, they are a British company supporting a British team, is this really such a crime given the demographic of their audience?

In fairness, they have done a lot of dickish things over the years as a club and are leading the charge for more money in Rugby. They are the English poster-child for buy to win and also were one of the strongest voices behind re arranging European rugby to suit themselves.

As for BT, sure they represent their demographic, but they have also bought exclusivity so that anyone else wanting to watch rugby has to watch their representation.

These are not things that I would complain about in the context of this match or rugby in general, but I don't have to actively like it either.

irishbucsfan

Saracens are really easy to hate. Nigel Wray is a big reason for that, and also the general carry on of the club.

They offered money back on tickets if Gavin Henson scored, that was completely disrespectful and a shameful promotion.

They piped in music over the Munster fans to try to stifle The Fields.

There are other examples. People also associate them with the PRL push to end the ERC but truthfully they don't have much influence on PRL as much as they'd hate to admit it, mostly for the very same reasons.

Saying all that, the club itself has a great history and more importantly their fans are excellent and there are a lot of great rugby people behind the club. That coupled with a great Irish coach makes them much more likeable for me. I like the team and I would like McCall to win a European Cup in spite of Wray and the despicable management of the club..

Brewster

Deleted User wrote: »

In fairness, they have done a lot of dickish things over the years as a club and are leading the charge for more money in Rugby. They are the English poster-child for buy to win and also were one of the strongest voices behind re arranging European rugby to suit themselves.

As for BT, sure they represent their demographic, but they have also bought exclusivity so that anyone else wanting to watch rugby has to watch their representation.

These are not things that I would complain about in the context of this match or rugby in general, but I don't have to actively like it either.

Broadly agree, people get too excited about the BT thing. Just don't think it's an issue. That's the nature of pay TV, you play to your audience. If it was an English v Irish team, you can be sure coverage would be more balanced as it was in pool stages. Yeah there are certain things 'not nice' about Sarries, but they have a future Ireland coach at the helm and he gets my support every day of week. He is one of the best, if not the best, Irish coach on scene at moment.

Neil3030

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Saying all that, the club itself has a great history and more importantly their fans are excellent and there are a lot of great rugby people behind the club. That coupled with a great Irish coach makes them much more likeable for me. I like the team and I would like McCall to win a European Cup in spite of Wray and the despicable management of the club..

Post reported. :pac:

matthew8

Saracens (Please ban me)

Don't mind Saracens, but really think Clermont are the ones I'd want trying to stop Toulon's 3 in a row.

Fireball07

Saracens (Please ban me)

Clermont were humiliated by Saracens last year, they surely have to avenge that defeat at the same stage this year. Saracens did beat them in the group stages (and visa versa) but Clermont look a stronger force this year and their destruction of Northampton was very impressive.

CatFromHue

I'm up for Sarries as I think Leinster will have a better chance of beating them if we both make the final.

I'm also completely fed up of Leinster v Clermont games!

total former

Saracens (Please ban me)

CatFromHue wrote: »

I'm up for Sarries as I think Leinster will have a better chance of beating them if we both make the final.

Sound logic actually.

Go Wolfpack!

Flipper22

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Saracens are really easy to hate. Nigel Wray is a big reason for that, and also the general carry on of the club.

They offered money back on tickets if Gavin Henson scored, that was completely disrespectful and a shameful promotion.

They piped in music over the Munster fans to try to stifle The Fields.

There are other examples. People also associate them with the PRL push to end the ERC but truthfully they don't have much influence on PRL as much as they'd hate to admit it, mostly for the very same reasons.

Saying all that, the club itself has a great history and more importantly their fans are excellent and there are a lot of great rugby people behind the club. That coupled with a great Irish coach makes them much more likeable for me. I like the team and I would like McCall to win a European Cup in spite of Wray and the despicable management of the club..

Wow, didn't know that about Henson! That's shocking carry on.

ThisRegard

No highlights on TG4 tonight, and have a family thing for the afternoon, any highlights later or will I not bother my ass trying to avoid the result?

Taco Corp

Saracens (Please ban me)

Healy looks hilarious beside the big lads

thomond2006

Saracens (Please ban me)

Great atmosphere!

thomond2006

Saracens (Please ban me)

ICI ICI C'EST MONTFERRAND

thomond2006

Saracens (Please ban me)

Ah Brockie...

NiallBoo

Ah, I see that Sarries have mistaken the rucks for their local branch of Mattress Micks already.

Fireball07

Saracens (Please ban me)

Scrum penalty for Sarries but then they miss touch.

vienne86

Saracens (Please ban me)

Sarries penalty nullified there.

Some crowd noise!

Fireball07

Saracens (Please ban me)

Ah Davies...

Tox56

Jonathan Davies is a very good player but he makes such simple errors

vienne86

Saracens (Please ban me)

Fireball07 wrote: »

Ah Davies...

Pity, thought they were away there.

vienne86

Saracens (Please ban me)

Great kick from James......pressure for Sarries now.

shrapnel222

Saracens (Please ban me)

really think this is going to be close. sarries know how to win these games, but hopefully clermont do enough.

vienne86

Saracens (Please ban me)

Sarries not at all daunted by the crowd - well up for this. Clermont are cool enough though.

thomond2006

Saracens (Please ban me)

It's a conspiracy: 0-3.

Fireball07

Saracens (Please ban me)

Well-struck drop goal.

vienne86

Saracens (Please ban me)

Ye gods, DG from Hodgson! Sarries in front! :mad:

errlloyd

Saracens (Please ban me)

Monster

thomond2006

Saracens (Please ban me)

What a scrum.

Tox56

You just can't trust Clermont at all when it matters, very shaky start. Hopefully they find a rhythm

EDIT: That will help

ssaye2

Wow scrum

shrapnel222

Saracens (Please ban me)

vienne86 wrote: »

Sarries not at all daunted by the crowd - well up for this. Clermont are cool enough though.

Clermont can be a real nervy side when things don't go their way and after last years semi, and the fact the final is a home final for sarries makes it even more exciting imo!

errlloyd

Saracens (Please ban me)

They butchered that. I think the pass was forward

thomond2006

Saracens (Please ban me)

If they haven't got that....

Butchered.

vienne86

Saracens (Please ban me)

Surely that was a try!

errlloyd

Saracens (Please ban me)

Bin him.

errlloyd

Saracens (Please ban me)

That is awful....

its_phil

Saracens (Please ban me)

No arm wrap by Ashton, TMO made a balls of that

Fireball07

Saracens (Please ban me)

Abendanon should really have fixed the defender better there though.

thomond2006

Saracens (Please ban me)

vienne86 wrote: »

Surely that was a try!

No. Clearly in touch before grounding.

Davei141

vienne86

Saracens (Please ban me)

No arms there.....Ashton! FFS - Sarries escape - travesty!

ssaye2

Joke

awec

Saracens (Please ban me)

That is outrageous.

Tox56

Wtf?!

irishbucsfan

BT Sport think it should have been a try... Surely not!!