Leinster v Clermont: Teams
Leinster coach Michael Cheika is bracing his side for the "biggest battle of the season" when they tackle Clermont in the Heineken Cup.
Last Updated: 09/04/10 2:45pm
Leinster coach Michael Cheika is bracing his side for their "biggest battle of the season" when they tackle Clermont in the Heineken Cup.
The defending champions go in to the game on the back of an impressive away win over Munster, however Cheika knows that win counts for little when it comes to European rugby.
And with the competition know entering the knock-out stage, Cheika knows his international-laden squad can't afford any error.
"Last week's win makes this week a bit easier and you've a bit more of a smile on your face for a preparation point of view, but that's about it," said coach Michael Cheika.
"We've learned too many times in all competitions - whether it's in European back-to-backs, or Magners (League) to Heineken Cup, or Magners to Magners - that the last week means nothing unless you back it up the next week.
"This is sudden death football now, so I think it's going to come down to who wants it more on the night now.
"Clermont are a team who don't seem to have an issue about going away from home. They have shown their strategic prowess in the two matches they played in their pool against Leicester and the Ospreys.
"They're also very well managed and it's going to be the biggest battle of our season so far."
Fit again
Leinster will be buoyed by news Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll has recovered from a knee injury to partner his Gordon D'Arcy in the centres, while fit-again Shane Horgan is named on the wing. Rob Kearney and Isa Nacewa complete the back three.
In the pack, Leo Cullen skippers the side and is partnered at second row by Scotland's Nathan Hines, while Stan Wright, John Fogarty and CJ van der Linde team up in the front row.
Kevin McLaughlin returns to take his place in the back row alongside fellow Irish internationals Shane Jennings and Jamie Heaslip.
Clermont arrive in Dublin with virtually a full squad to pick from, with Grand Slam winners Morgan Parra, Julien Bonnaire and Thomas Domingo all staring.
The French side boost one of the most formidable attacking back three - with Anthony Floch, Julien Malzieu and skipper Aurelien Rougerie all named.
The power of a pack that features Mario Ledesma and Elvis Vermeulen is augmented by the precision boot and playmaking of Brock James from fly-half.
Leinster: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Shane Horgan, 13 Brian O'Driscoll, 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Isa Nacewa, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Eoin Reddan, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Shane Jennings, 6 Kevin McLaughlin, 5 Nathan Hines, 4 Leo Cullen (capt), 3 CJ van der Linde, 2 John Fogarty, 1 Stan Wright.
Replacements: 16 Bernard Jackman, 17 Mike Ross, 18 Cian Healy, 19 Malcolm O'Kelly, 20 Stephen Keogh, 21 Paul O'Donohoe, 22 Shaun Berne, 23 Girvan Dempsey.
Clermont Auvergne: 15 Anthony Floch, 14 Aurelien Rougerie (c), 13 Marius Joubert, 12 Gonzalo Canale, 11 Julien Malzieu, 10 Brock James, 9 Morgan Parra, 8 Elvis Vermeulen, 7 Alex Lapandry, 6 Julien Bonnaire, 5 Thibault Privat, 4 Jamie Cudmore, 3 Davit Zirakashvili, 2 Mario Ledesma, 1 Thomas Domingo.
Replacements: 16 Benoit Cabello, 17 Vincent Debaty, 18 Cedric Ric, 19 Julien Pierre, 20 Alexandre Audebert, 21 Kevin Senio, 22 Gavin Williams, 23 Wesley Fofana.