FRENCH TOP 14 FINAL/USA Perpignan v Clermont Auvergne:THE LONGEST-suffering supporters in French rugby will make their near annual pilgrimage to Stade de France this evening as Clermont Auvergne seek a first Bouclier de Brennus after 10 failed attempts. As Holy Grails go, Munster had nothing on les jaunes et bleus, but an 11th final defeat overall in 11 attempts, and their fourth in succession, and they will surely head straight to Lourdes
There were clear signs in last season’s defeat to Perpignan that Clermont were buckling under the weight of history, but there could be no better way for Joe Schmidt – in his farewell match before taking over at Leinster – to help them reach the Promised Land, and all week they have talked about being a changed side mentally.
The memory of Brock James imploding in their Heineken Cup quarter-final defeat to Leinster won’t go away but since then Morgan Parra has assumed the kicking duties.
The self-assurance of the cocky 21-year-old in his first year with Clermont is probably no harm. And even when injured in the semi-final win over Toulon, James responded with a 55-metre drop goal in extra-time along with a penalty and conversion in an epic encounter with Toulon.
Furthermore, there’s also plenty of needle between les meilleurs ennemis.
The Clermont lock Jamie Cudmore, Paul O’Connell’s sparring partner from Thomond Park last season, received a red card for fighting in the first match (Perpignan winning 19-3 at home) and then was obliged to write a letter to the LNR defending USAP back-rower Grégory Le Corvec after a brawl in the re-match (Clermont winning 22-17 at home).
It proved futile, and Le Corvec was banned for 40 days for une fourchette (gouging).
Whatever else, it oughtn’t to be dull, but USA look mentally stronger if less talented or ambitious, and you’d fear for the health and well-being of James, Clermont and their fans in another taut finish.
USA PERPIGNAN: J Porical; A Planté, D Marty, M Mermoz, C Manas; N Laharrague/G Hume, N Durand, P Freshwater, G Guirado, N Mas (capt), O Olibeau, R Tchale-Watchou, O Tonita, H Tuilagi, J-P Pérez.
Replacements: M Tincu, J Schuster, G Vilaceca, G Le Corvec, D Mélé, N Laharrague/P Burger, J-P Grandclaude, K Pulu.
ASM CLERMONT AUVERGNE: A Floch; N Nalaga, A Rougerie (cap), Joubert, J Malzieu, B James, M Parra; T Domingo, M Ledesma, M Scelzo, J Cudmore, T Privat, J Bonnaire, A Lapandry, E Vermeulen.
Replacements: B Cabello, D Zirakashvili, J Pierre, A Audebert, K Senio, T Lavea, G Canale, V Debaty.
Referee: Christophe Berdos
Last three meetings:(08-09, final) Perpignan 22 Clermont 13. (09-10) Perpignan 19 Clermont 3; Clermont 22 Perpignan 17.
Betting (Paddy Powers):11/10 Perpignan, 18/1 Draw, ¾ Clermont. Handicap betting (Perpignan + 1 pt) 10/11 Perpignan, 20/1 Draw, 10/11 Clermont.
Forecast: Clermont to win.
