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Tough call: Previous editions of Clermont v Leinster

Contempt is a strong word, but there is plenty of familiarity between these giants of European rugby.

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.

It feels like they have met more than three times, though. All three came within eight months of eachother.

Today marks the fourth instalment and never before has there been such magnitude attached to the result.

The winner be overwhelming favourite to beat Ulster in Twickenham and lif the trophy on May 19.

Leinster have been there and done it, Clermont Auvergne have the hunger, the pain of destiny unfulfilled.

Here’s why:

December 12 2010: Clermont 20 – 13 Leinster

Joe Schmidt’s first year in charge pitted him into a pool of death. 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 Leinster

“Ooooohhh, it’s Santa.”

Sky’s favourite Ulsterman, Mark Robson, got more than a little excited for the Fever in the Aviva: the return match in Pool 2 when Europe’s heavyweights went head-to-head and the home side again came out on top.

Here’s hoping that’s not a trend.

YouTube credit: chillyupnorth

April 9 2010: Leinster 29 -28 Clermont

There wasn’t much intensity lacking in either of those group games, but when the sides met earlier in the spring it was a truly epic encounter.

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 he expected, he missed.

Leinster progessed to the Heineken Cup semi-final, but fell to defeat in the south of France.

Time to right some wrongs.

YouTube credit: hcup2010

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