THE BUSINESS END of the season has well and truly arrived with every game now carrying a much greater weight of significance.
The Rabo Direct, Aviva Premiership and indeed the Top 14 all look to be finishing with a flourish but in truth, they pale in comparison to the Heineken Cup.
This tournament has matured into the greatest club competition in the world and if we are honest, it rivals most international products out there.
The intensity, passion, colour and the quality of the rugby itself have elevated the Heineken Cup to the loftiest of plains.
Some of the games the competition throws up genuinely capture the imagination with numerous examples springing to mind straight away and too many to mention.
The Clermont versus Leinster clash on Sunday has all the makings of another classic. These have been the best two sides in Europe this season and their clash sees the two top heavyweights in the division come face to face. But, who will emerge victorious?
The Cast
Where to begin? Both sides are littered with the highest calibre of talent.
Let’s take Leinster first. This is a team playing with the utmost confidence and are one of the few outfits who will not fear taking on the mighty Clermont in France. To coin a popular sporting brand, impossible is nothing to this team.
The Heineken Cup final last year was a case in point and even the recent win in Thomond Park was expected, not heralded. Leinster currently boast an attribute that any truly great teams requires: genuine belief. They believe they will win every game they play in, no matter what the circumstances. And why wouldn’t they?
Out wide, the champions have class in abundance with Isa Nacewa an absolute revelation, whilst Rob Kearney is playing the rugby of his career. Luke Fitzgerald has returned to a rich vein of form and this trio has tries in them, no question.
Crucially, Leinster have their talisman Brian O’Driscoll back in the centre after he missed the guts of the season through injury. He may not be the dynamo he once was but his experience, drive and quality are massive for Leinster.
Pulling the strings, Jonny Sexton is an out-half who thrives for his province and has been in immaculate form of late, both in unleashing his potent back line and with the boot. If the Mary’s man is afforded quality ball, expect him to do some damage. Equally, his defensive capabilities are a significant factor.
In front of him, Leinster have added the grit of World Cup winner Brad Thorn to an already powerful pack. In fact, the athletic Leinster back row may just have a slight edge over their aging French counterparts.
And, what of this Clermont team? Well any side that includes the likes of Rougerie, Fofana, Sivivatu, Parra, Bonnnaire, Byrne and Mazieu are bound to be handy.
The quality out wide speaks for itself with the sheer power and pace a serious concern for Leinster. Containing the likes of Malzieu and indeed Fofana, who was a class apart in the Six Nations, will be a monstrous task in itself.
The key for Leinster will be depriving these players of good quality, quick ball. If Clermont can get their strike runners into space and over the gain line, the already difficult task becomes impossible. The Leinster pack has to win their battle up front but that is easier said than done, of course.
Clermont have a hardened pack of their own which includes a player that Leinster will know well, in Nathan Hines. The Wagga Wagga man is a coach’s dream as he possesses all the traditional qualities to be a world class second row but can also link play and use the ball. He epitomises this Clermont pack.
The Verdict
Joe Schmidt said last week that this is one of those games where Leinster could play exceptionally well and still lose. His is right and that is a measure of the quality of this Clermont side.
There are a couple of factors to take into account here.
Firstly, looking at the team sheets, there is little to choose between the teams. The French side probably have more power in the back line but Leinster posses more guile. Sexton is a better ten than Skrela but Parra shades Reddan. Nothing in it.
It is a similar scenario up front with very little to choose between the two packs but perhaps Leinster could shade it in that they potentially have a more mobile eight who could get on top as the game wares on.
Another factor in Leinster’s favour is Joe Schmidt. Not only is the Kiwi a phenomenal coach but he knows the Clermont psyche and what is waiting for his side. Schmidt’s side will have the best possible preparation.
Lastly, although this is a ‘home’ match for Clermont, it isn’t in the truest sense. The 37,000 capacity stadium in Bordeaux will be rocking with French support but it is not the Stade Marcel Michelin, a fortress where Clermont are unbeaten in their last forty-two encounters.
All in all, there is nothing to choose between these two sides, no matter which way you angle it. Leinster have the experience but, by God, do Clermont want this one. The Heineken Cup is now their holy grail.
What happens when two immovable objects collide? Leinster, just.