The second game of the weekend is at the Stade
Marcél-Michelin where the Northampton Saints have the task of taking on ASM
Clermont Auvergne in their own back yard. Les Jaunards’ home record is second
to none in the context of World Rugby, let alone in the European competition and
the atmosphere that the Saints’ will be greeted with will be unlike anything
that they have met this season.
Jim Mallinder’s men are sitting pretty at the top of
the Aviva Premiership with a healthy ten point cushion and their squad houses
tremendous talent and depth although they do have a few injuries to contend
with that take out key men from across the park. George North is out of action due to his concussion rest period, his presence will be sorely missed as he was the top points and try scorer across both sides. Clermont aren't without their own causalities to contend
with as Morgan Parra and Camille Lopez are both unavailable for
the weekend’s all important Quarter Final clash.
The Saints have scored more tries than any other side
in the competition with twenty five however on the whole their European form
hasn’t been as positive as their Premiership form and this is something they’ll
want to rectify with immediate effect on Saturday afternoon. Saints must turn
up the heat from the start; they must impose themselves in the first twenty
minutes through the winning trio of bruising physicality in defence and at the
breakdown, set piece dominance and early scores. Should they achieve all three
then that will go a long way towards nullifying the crowd at the Stade
Marcél-Michelin, and in that fortress a more peaceful crowd is half the battle.
Dylan Hartley has a hugely important role to play on Saturday, both positionally
in the set piece and as Captain marshalling his troops and setting the tone
with a cool head. From one to fifteen Mallinder’s men must impose themselves
and ensure Clermont cannot penetrate the gain line, defence will be king and it
will be up to the colossal specimens of Lawes, Manoa, Clark and Wood to lead
this. In the middle Stephen Myler’s ability to orchestrate his side into the
right areas of the field with efficiency will be critical alongside a high
percentage off the tee.
For the home side their English export Nick Abendanon
is a game changer, he is a man that rarely has a bad game and his statistics to
date in their European campaign illustrate this; Nick has made 74 carries,
beaten 23 defenders and made more meters than any man on either side, 571. Noa
Nakaitaci illustrated to us all in England’s game against France how dangerous
he can be and Napolioni Nalaga on the other wing adds brilliant to the side’s line
breaking ability. Clermont have overtly stated that this Champions Cup be all and end all in their minds is this year’s
Champions Cup, it is higher in the pecking order than the Top 14 and the fact
that every single player had to present their role to the coaches this week highlighted
how meticulous their planning has been.
For the home side their English export Nick Abendanon
is a game changer, he is a man that rarely has a bad game and his statistics to
date in their European campaign illustrate this; Nick has made 74 carries,
beaten 23 defenders and made more meters than any man on either side, 571. Noa
Nakaitaci illustrated to us all in England’s game against France how dangerous
he can be and Napolioni Nalaga on the other wing adds brilliant to the side’s line
breaking ability. Clermont have overtly stated that this Champions Cup be all and end all in their minds is this year’s
Champions Cup, it is higher in the pecking order than the Top 14 and the fact
that every single player had to present their role to the coaches this week highlighted
how meticulous their planning has been.
Clermont have a weight of expectation on their shoulders
whilst the Northampton Saints have the gruelling task of travelling to one of
the most intimating stadiums in the Northern Hemisphere. I expect Saints to
push Clermont hard, at the set piece, around the park and especially at the
breakdown, however the overarching question is will their efforts before enough
to topple Fortress Stade Marcél-Michelin?
