blametheref says...

My view on this is that Sexton and James (if Skrela doesn't play, hope he does!), on balance, should by standards cancel each other out, Sexton all round is the better 10, but both these 10's have it in the tank to dominate a game, James with the boot and Sexton more with his running game, though he can dominate with the boot too...both players are good with long range drop kicks as well, especially James...Before the ball gets to the backs, the key to the game probably will be the set pieces and who will win their own line out ball and whether Leinster can hold parity in the scrum, because, as someone mentioned, the flakey Barnes can favour one side during scrums which could decide the outcome...if all things are equal from this juncture it comes down to the centres and how well they connect with their 10, wings and full back. I feel Clermont with Fofana and Rougerie have the best partnership on form but I think Leinster have more guile and high tempo in attack with Sexton, Nacewa and Kearney as linkmen, than James, Byrne (if their top try scorer Buttin doesn't play, hopefully!) and Sivivatu ...Fitzgerald on the day is a concern, but I feel Leinster out wide are more rounded and it's why Leinster should win...Though fate dictates that Clermont will win, as they've been building to a day like this like Leinster were a number of years ago....so it's no wonder nobody can call this game with authority, that's unless you're Thatllbme who'll be cheering for the French side just like was rooting for France in the World Cup final!...It's quite amazing that Thatllbme is constantly allowed post his anti Irish comments fragrantly on boards of Irish interest, because if the Irish were predominately black in colour he'd be guilty of unadulterated racism, Editor!

Posted 09:56 25th April 2012

ShamanSheep says...

As a neutral I have Leinster favourites, Clermont are a good side no doubt, superb on paper, but I've never seen them reach Leinster's level on the field; if Leinster play to their potential they should be OK to win, plus this is the hardest knockout game considering it's Edinburgh and Ulster in the other semi.

Clermont will take Leinster on up front, it'll put me to sleep, and the commentators will describe it as 'absorbing'; Leinster will still win, given that they can and do play some rugby, and Ireland will once again fail to select their good players, instead going for size over skill

Posted 18:29 24th April 2012

crunchfit says...

@leinster_goy

Haven't even read that article, but Schmidt is a smart man at all levels of coaching, including communication. Unlike our national coach, I place complete faith in this guy.

I've also met him a couple of times now. One of the nicest guys I've met involved in Irish rugby.

Posted 13:20 24th April 2012

adamk says...

@leinster_goy Eh, are you questioning Joe? Wash your mouth out!!

Nah but seriously, I really like Joe's attitude. He's softly spoken, and realistic. The one thing you don't want is your coach talking YOU up to the media. He's blatantly honest with his assessment. It's easy to think like you, but lets look at your points objectively and honestly:

1: That's a bit rich. We've struggled against mediocre sides this season, whilst we have plenty of potential there are other teams out there that would put the first Leinster 15 to the sword on any given day. Montpellier did a good job of it. Whilst we kept our cards close to our chest, Ulster gave us a good run for our money last Friday. 'The best first 15' is far too subjective imo.

2. Clermont have never concentrated on a H-Cup campaign in the same way they look at the T14. This year is different.

3. There will be 20k+ Clermont fans marching on Stade Chaban. Bear Pit it is not, but it will still be a huge home advantage for ASM.

4. Brock James is on form. I doubt we'll see a repeat of 2010.

5. They bossed Sarries' pack around the park.. and that was Sarries' 'strength' apparently.

Just have a look at all the betting sites. The bookies CANNOT call this game, it's even stevens, split down the middle. The only thing they're edging us on is Isa to score the first try, and that's barely odds on. You can't blame Joe and Vern for both being nervous about this. This is Leinster's biggest game since the Munster semi in 2009. All the other games have been stacked in Leinster's favour; 2009 Leicester on the decline, 2010 Clermont having a mare from the tee, 2011 home knock out games, 2012 Cardiff ....

I hope all the lads are nervous too..Nerves are good. If they do their job right, and play 110% they can reach the final...

Posted 11:32 24th April 2012

leinster_goy says...

i'm not sure i like this attitude. i know that Schmidty is humble and likes to talk up the opposition, but there's an awfully defeatist flavour to his statements leading up to this match. for example, he said after the cardiff win that the semi-final would be "horrendously tough". every coach should ultimately let his team do the talking on the pitch but there's an air of resignation here that worries me and is not very befitting for a team of leinster's calibre. some things to remember:

1. we have the best squad and the best first 15 of any side in the northern hemisphere (club or international) 2. we are seasoned european giants in our 4th consecutive semi-final, while clermont are semi-final virgins 3. the match will be in bordeaux, not in stade marcel michelin 4. clermont have notorious big-game bottlers e.g. brock james, david skrela, lee byrne 5. clermont's scrum isn't half the force it was before domingo's long-term injury and ledesma's departure

personally i dare not call the winner of the game on sunday but considering these factors, we have cause to have a little more confidence than this

Posted 09:59 24th April 2012