Preview: Toulouse v Clermont

The two most exciting teams in France go head-to-head in the Top 14 semi-finals on Friday as Toulouse clash with Clermont.

The two most exciting teams in France go head-to-head in the Top 14 semi-finals on Friday as Toulouse clash with Clermont.

It doesn't get much bigger than this! The title holders take on the seventeen-time champions at the 60 000 seater Stade Vélodrome in Marseille.

For the first time ever both semi-finals will take place at the same venue as Racing-Metro and Montpellier clash for the second berth in the final on Saturday.

The numbers don't lie: Toulouse (62) and Clermont (61) have scored more tries than any other team in France this season and pride themselves as being ambassadors of du beau jeu.

Who will ever forget the 2008 Final between these two? That epic game at the Stade de France will go down as one of the greatest matches in Top 14 history and was arguably the best game witnessed anywhere in the world that year.

Clermont will be looking to set a new record by qualify for their fifth consecutive final. (Of course their track record for actually winning those finals isn't great with last year's win their first success in ten attempts.) Toulouse have made the semi-finals for the 18th consecutive time! They've gone on to win the title seven times over the that period.

Toulouse have been perched at the summit of the Top 14 standings since late October but successful seasons in the la Ville Rose are measured by silverware and after failing to defend their European title, les Toulousains will not be content with anything less claiming the Bouclier de Brennus for an eighteenth time.

But an outstanding domestic season could back-fire on Guy Novès's men, who haven't played in three weeks due to their direct qualification for the semis.

Clermont by contrast have managed to maintain the rhythm built up in a strong late-season run that was capped with a impressive come-from-behind win against Biarritz in the play-offs.

Unlike previous seasons where les Jaunards dominated the early stages only to stumble at the final hurdle, Clermont seem to be gathering momentum. With just four rounds left to play, Vern Cotter's team were down in seventh place, but three wins in their last four matches secured a place in the knock-out phases. Their solitary defeat since March came against…Toulouse.

Invincible at home, Clermont have struggled on the road this term so will welcome the neutral venue as opposed to having to make another visit to the Stadium de Toulouse.

These sides have met four times in the semi-finals with two victories each, although Clermont will take heart from their win in their most recent semi-final clash in 2009.

In team news, Clermont have made three changes to the team that got the better of Biarritz.

Amongst the backs, George Pisi has been named at outside centre ahead of Marius Joubert (in the absence of injured skipper Aurélien Rougerie) although the Samoan must pass a late fitness test.

In the pack, Lionel Faure returns to the starting XV at loosehead while Elvis Vermeulen starts at number eight ahead of Sione Lauaki. Vermeulen's inclusion suggests that Clermont will look to use his power to carry the ball around the fringes. Lauaki will no doubt be called on to make an impact in the game opens up the second half.

Mario Ledesma's experience has been preferred to Ti'i Paulo's athleticism, leaving the former Crusader on the bench.

Meanwhile, Toulouse are sweating over the fitness of record try-scorer Vincent Clerc, who has a rib injury. If the French international is not fit to play, his place will be taken by Fijian freight train Rupeni Caucaunibuca.

Yannick Jauzion returns to the starting XV to partner Clément Poitrenaud in midfield. Florian Firtz drops to the bench.

In the pack, Jean Bouilhou starts ahead of Yannick Nyanga in the loose trio while French international Romain Millo-Chlusky returns from injury in the second row. In the front row, Dan Human starts at loosehead ahead of Jean-Baptiste Poux.

Players to watch:

For Toulouse: Fly-half David Skrela has already announced his departure next season for…Clermont. Toulouse's top points scorer this season, Skrela has been know to blow hot and cold but there will be no room for error on Friday, especially from the kicking tee. Also keep an eye on the league's top try scorer, Maxime Médard, who has touched down 15 times this season.

For Clermont: Every great army needs a good general and Morgan Parra is that man for Clermont. Despite his diminutive stature, Parra has no qualms about barking out the orders. His club's top points scorer this season, he'll also handle the kicking duties. Also keep an eye on Pumas hooker Mario Ledesma who will be looking to produce a big performance in what could his last game for Clermont before retiring after the World Cup.

Head-to-head: If you like the physical stuff, you're in for a treat in the battle of the number eights between Louis Picamoles and Elvis Vermeulen, who both look to carry the ball into contact rather than into space. With both side seeking for front-foot ball before unleashing their formidable back lines, there should be some big charges around the fringes.

Top 14 semi-final betting odds: Toulouse 1/2; Draw 20/1; Clermont 3/2

Stade Toulousain:15 Cédric Heymans, 14 Vincent Clerc (or Rupeni Caucaunibuca) , 13 Yannick Jauzion, 12 Clément Poitrenaud, 11 Maxime Medard, 10 David Skrela, 9 Jean-Marc Doussain, 8 Louis Picamoles , 7 Jean Bouilhou, 6 Thierry Dusautoir, 5 Patricio Albacete, 4 Romain Millo-Chlusky, 3 Census Johnston, 2 William Servat, 1 Daan Human.
Replacements: 16 Virgile Lacombe, 17 Jean-Baptiste Poux, 18 Yoann Maestri, 19 Yannick Nyanga, 20 Nicolas Bezy, 21 Florian Fritz, 22 Rupeni Caucaunibuca (or Vilimoni Delasau, 23 Johnson Falefa

ASM Clermont Auvergne: 15 Anthony Floch 14 Wesley Fofana, 13 George Pisi, 12 Gonzalo Canale, 11 Julien Malzieu, 10 Brock James, 9 Morgan Parra, 8 Elvis Vermeulen, 7 Alexandre Lapandry, 6 Julien Bonnaire, 5 Thibaut Privat, 4 Jamie Cudmore, 3 Martin Scelzo, 2 Mario Ledesma, 1 Lionel Faure.
Replacements: 16 Ti'i Paulo, 17 Vincent Debaty, 18 Julien Pierre, 19 Sione Lauaki, 20 Kevin Senio, 21 Kini Murimurivalu, 22 Marius Joubert, 23 Davit Zirakashvili

Previous results: Clermont won 32-25 at home; Toulouse won 15-6 at home.
Prediction: A tough one to call, but the very brave would bet against Toulouse in a knock-out game. Toulouse by five points
Kick-off: 21:00 (19.00 GMT)
Referee: Jérôme Garces