IN 2008, NEITHER of these sides managed to squeeze out of their group.
Clermont finished second to Munster, while Leinster rode in third, behind Leicester and Toulouse.
Since then, however, they have been amongst the most feared clubs in Europe.
So epic has each encounter between the teams been, that it is hard to believe there have only been four games in that time.
Three clashes came within within eight short months of eachother, and now – eight months on from the incredible semi-final in Bordeaux – they’re at it again.
Leinster have been there and done it, Clermont Auvergne have the painful hunger pang of destiny unfulfilled.
Brace yourselves.
April 9 2010: Leinster 29 – 28 Clermont
Here, the RDS was witness to one of the most remarkable chokes of European Cup history. After Jonathan Sexton held his nerve, Brock James; petrified of taking his spot in the pocket, eventually stepped up.
Just as Mr. James expected, he missed andLeinster progressed to the Heineken Cup semi-final, but fell to defeat in the south of France.
YouTube credit: hcup2010
December 12 2010: Clermont 20 – 13 Leinster
Joe Schmidt’s first year in charge pitted him into a pool of death – it’s never anything else if Clermont are involved – pool 2 included not only the team he had just left, but also the cash-splashing Racing Metro.
The Blues got off to a flyer, beating Racing at home and squeaking past Saracens in Twickenham. Clermont had lost in Paris and so went into this one seeking revenge on top of a win to keep their hope alive.
YouTube credit: joekdp
December 18 2010: Leinster 24 – 8 Clermont
“Ooooohhh, it’s Santa.”
Sky’s favourite Ulsterman, Mark Robson, got more than a little excited for the Fever in the Aviva this time two years ago.
As it will be next Saturday, this was the return match in Pool 2 and the home side again came out on top.
A trend?
YouTube credit: chillyupnorth
April 29 2012: Clermont 15 – 19 Leinster
The semi-final meeting is still fresh in the memory, as is Wesley Fofana’s dropped ball at the death which forever altered the course to ERC history.
Leinster will hope for a similar result this afternoon, but they will find the comfort levels even lower than what they experienced in Bordeaux.
Youtube credit: Blacklion1192
