In every battle there comes a time when both sides consider themselves beaten, then he who continues the attack wins- Ulysses S. GrantA ferocious battle lies in store in Bordeaux. Two of the finest teams of the last five years will go toe to toe for 80 grueling minutes of hard, physical and also skillful rugby. Indeed Clermont Auvergne and Leinster are set to provide a Heineken Cup classic.
Should Leinster prevail they will be one step closer to sealing their status as the best European club team of the professional era. Clermont, on the other hand, are searching for their maiden Heineken Cup success after years of threatening to come good on the European stage.
Both teams possess sumptuous and scintillating backs. Clermont have in their armoury the likes of Sitiveni Sivivatu, the powerful Aurelion Rougerie and the wunderkid Wesley Fofana. Added to that Julien Malzieu has a fine scoring record against Leinster over the last two years including a hat-trick at the RDS in 2010. Their out-half Brock James will also be keen to banish the memories of his performance in that same game.
However, Leinster can boast players players such as the electric Isa Nacewa, the hugely in form Rob Kearney as well as the imperious Brian O'Driscoll. In addition Johnny Sexton marshals the attack like an orchestra conductor. Should he play well to Leinster have every chance.
His input will depend on both sides set of forwards. In a sense the physical warfare will be the most outstanding aspect of this match. There is no weak link on other side. There will only be 16 hard forwards smashing into each other for inches. It will be akin to two bears fighting in a telephone box. That is how physical this contest will be.
Leinster have been spectacular all season whilst Clermont's dispatching of Saracens away from home was equally impressive. The hammering of Cardiff though was not really what Leinster needed coming into this game.
If I have one worry for Leinster it is that they have not really been tested in long time. Even the close scrapes away from home in the pool stages, it was hard not to feel as if Leinster were only going in second or third gear.
Clermont will throw the kitchen sink and the fridge at Leinster today. It will undoubtedly be a tight tussle. I think playing in front of a home crowd will sway the game for Clermont. It would be an incredible feat for Leinster to win and take part in a third final in four years as well reaching a semi final in that time too. It is in their capabilities but I feel they could not come up against a worse team. Navigating their way out of this match would be an exceptional achievement.
In the meantime I hope the ice baths are ready for after the match. There are going to be over 30 sore bodies after this clash in what could prove to be an all time great Heineken Cup match. The drums will be beating, the noise levels will reach a crescendo. Blood, guts, courage and tired bodies are going to be on show. I cant wait.
Prediction: Clermont by 2
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