Countdown To Clermont

Following on from Munster’s 9-16 defeat to Clermont Auvergne at Thomond Park last Saturday, we look ahead to Sunday’s Champions Cup return leg at the Stade Marcel Michelin – KO 3:15 Irish time.

A hugely physical Clermont performance coupled with some typically French attacking flair saw Munster chase the Round 3 encounter from the very first minute. In doing so, Clermont became the first French side to win at Thomond Park in European competition, took control of Pool 1 on ten points, and denied Munster their 100^th win in Europe – a feat achieved by Toulouse on Sunday after their 19-11 victory over Glasgow Warriors.

Speaking during the week, Clermont loosehead Thomas Domingo reflected on their unfaltering game plan before and during the Thomond clash, and how it has given them confidence heading into this weekend’s second act.

“We knew that Munster would offer us a lot of physical confrontation, an upfront duel. It must yield nothing for them we though. This team Munster, even when they are in trouble need only a tiny breath of fresh air to reverse the situation and we did everything to not allow them to do so. We did not want to give them anything.

“We worked our defensive system all week and we had to be successful in this area – not to crack during long sequences of Munster play. We took a lot of confidence in resisting these difficult times. These moments will make us grow and show solidarity in our group.”

Having played the 2013 Heineken Cup semi-final at the Stade de la Mosson in Montpellier (Clermont winning 16-10), Munster travel to the Stade Marcel Michelin for the first time since 2008. Back then Clermont won out 25-19 and little has changed over the years as the Frenchmen remain a dominant force at home. In fact, Clermont have won their last five home games against Irish opponents, while in total they have won 20 on the bounce at the Stade Marcel Michelin.

Speaking this week, Clermont Forwards Coach Jono Gibbes was happy to report a clean bill of health following their triumphant exploits in Limerick on Saturday.

“We are looking ok. I think we made a few tackles more than them, they are probably a bit fresher than we are as they did not have to make as many tackles.

“The eight days is probably a bit more useful for us recovery wise but thankfully we look ok injury wise and should have everyone available.”

Munster for their part will need a much improved performance and a return to physical parity on the field if they are to challenge Franck Azéma’s charges on French soil. As recently as last year the Munster achieved one of their famous away wins in France (16-17 v Perpignan), however never before have they played a return leg in France on the back of a home defeat.

Uncharted waters then for the province, but a challenge which Anthony Foley’s men will no doubt be up for. The Head Coach spoke to media following Saturday’s defeat.

“We’re not going to throw in any towel. We’ll give it our best shot and make sure we stay fighting. We need to stay true to the badge we wear. It’s not a great feeling at the moment. We need to rectify that.

“It’s an unbelievably hard place to go. I’ve played there a couple of times. The crowd will be in behind them. Similar to what you expect when you come here as an away side. Our crowd was in the game today, but unfortunately we couldn’t aid them in getting a better performance out of ourselves.

“We know the way they went about going after us. We need to sit down and study how we’d like to go after them. Unfortunately for us, we didn’t show a whole pile today. We need to make sure we understand how important the ball is and then apply pressure on them.”

On the injury front, following training today it was conformed that looseheads Dave Kilcoyne (knee) and James Cronin (shoulder) will be given every chance for inclusion in this weekend’s matchday squad, while centre Andrew Smith (knee) trained with the physios today and following a full squad session on Friday a decision will be made regarding his availability.

Clermont Auvergne, European Champions Cup Round 4, Sunday December 14^th at the Stade Marcel Michelin – KO 3:15pm (Irish time).

This game will be televised on Sky Sports 2 with coverage starting from 3pm.