RUGBY:ASK YOURSELF this, in 2012 have you looked forward to a game more than this? The best team in Europe, and the prospective champions of the Pro12, away to the prospective champions of France. And the probability is that it won't disappoint.
With just three defeats in their last 28 European matches, and competing in their fourth semi-final in a row, Leinster stand within two games of greatness. Were they to emulate Leicester (2000 and ’01) in retaining their crown, they would also be winning their third Cup in a four-year period – a spell of sustained brilliance unprecedented in the tournament’s rich history.
However, as Joe Schmidt noted yesterday, this counts for nothing come 4pm local time in the Stade Chaban Dalmas tomorrow, for the Heineken Cup couldn’t have thrown up a tougher semi-final, what with a dastardly away draw against the most expensively-assembled squad in Europe whose mission, from the outset of this their centenary season, has been to become champions of Europe.
Two years ago, after winning the French championship for the first time, in their 10th final, their captain Aurelien Rougerie told the tens of thousands within earshot on Place de Jaude that the Bouclier de Brennus having been garnered, next up was the H Cup. They have invested accordingly.
Asked to rank this challenge, Schmidt said yesterday: “For me it would be as tough a task as we’ve had to face. They have recruited incredibly well this year, Clermont, and the weight that they can bring into the game, the experience and the performances that they have put together; they’re in a very strong position.”
With their Anglo-French mix, Clermont are liable to ape the approach of their quarter-final win away to Saracens, with Brock James kicking plenty and long, lots of pick-and-go or one-off runners, and Wesley Fofana and Aurelien Rougerie to get them over the gainline in midfield, along with massive, aggressive defence.
Bully the bully, as Michael Cheika has said. Leinster will have to play a very aggressive defence themselves, around the fringes and in midfield, but as noted by Schmidt (who confirmed a new deal for Luke Fitzgerald was “close”) outside of half-back, Clermont are almost 4.5kg a man heavier.
Hence Schmidt has opted for the greater physicality Isaac Boss offers, as well as the experience and defensive leadership of Shane Jennings, which is tough on Kevin McLaughlin and suggests Richardt Strauss will be seeking out Jamie Heaslip a fair bit. Apparently McLaughlin and Eoin Reddan had knocks last Monday and Schmidt wanted to go with the team which trained together all week.
Then there’s the Wayne Barnes factor, and, ala the Welsh defeat at the Aviva this season, just to add to the discomfort, Dave Pearson is again running the line.
If Leinster win this, it will be right up there with beating Toulouse away six years ago with their version of the try from the end of the earth.
Clermont, au fait with this ground after two wins out of three in recent seasons, will be almost doubling their fan base and the pressure on the officials will be intense. Nor would a high penalty count be helpful toward Leinster, for their best hope rests in a high tempo, and after forecast heavy rain in Bordeaux today, there is a good chance of further showers tomorrow. And Leinster go much better on good, dry tracks.
“For us to compete with them will be very tough on what is reported to be a pretty wet ground,” admitted Schmidt. “It will slow down our game and probably aid the big heavy men that they bring coming forward. It’s hard to stop momentum on grounds that are pretty sticky or pretty wet.”
Back in 2002, Schmidt was coaching the New Zealand Schools at a game in Tauranga, with Vern Cotter in attendance. After the game Cotter introduced himself and asked Schmidt if he would take a few skills’ sessions with his Bay of Plenty team. Their areas of speciality made for a good mix, and Schmidt became Cotter’s assistant for two years before they went their separate ways; Cotter to the Crusaders, Schmidt to the Auckland Blues.
Two years later Schmidt took a call while sitting in a Sydney café. “Schmidty, I’ve got a job for us mate,” said Cotter of his impending move to Clermont. But Schmidt had another year on his contract with the Blues, so they agreed to keep in touch for a year.
And they did, so much so that they hooked up together again for three seasons at Clermont, during which they reached their Holy Grail of a first Bouclier de Brennus in 98 years of trying, before Leinster came calling for Schmidt. Somehow, they were destined to meet again this season, each standing in the other’s way.
It will be ultra tough and physical, epitomised by the combined 138 years in the secondrow, with Brad Thorn looking like he could have been signed specifically for this match. It has all the makings of a one-score game, and even the bookies can’t call it. But if there’s one reason for believing Leinster can come through it’s in their individual and collective experience, and their quotient of leaders.
That come the 50th, 60th or perhaps even the 80th minute, they’ll do the right thing.
Previous meetings: (2002-03) Clermont 20 Leinster 23; Leinster 12 Clermont 9; (2009-10) (q-f) Leinster 29 Clermont 28; (2010-11) Clermont 20 Leinster 13; Leinster 24 Clermont 8.
Leading points scorers: Clermont – Morgan Parra 56. Leinster – Jonathan Sexton 77.
Leading try scorers: Clermont – Julien Malzieu 5. Leinster – Rob Kearney 6.
Betting Paddy Powers: 10/11 Clermont, 18/1 Draw, 10/11 Leinster.
Forecast: Leinster to win.
