Investec Champions Cup Last-16 Preview: Northampton Saints Vs. ASM Clermont
Investec Champions Cup Last-16 Preview: Northampton Saints Vs. ASM Clermont
Investec Champions Cup last-16 knockout match preview sees the Gallagher Premiership champions, the Northampton Saints, host Clermont at Franklins Gardens.
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Young guns vs. seasoned veterans, former champions vs. perennial contenders and English club rugby royalty vs. French club rugby royalty.
Need we say more?
Getting the action underway for the 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup Round of 16 on Friday at 20.00 BST is arguably the most underrated head-to-head of the weekend.
Taking place at the iconic Franklin’s Gardens, the reigning Gallagher Premiership champions Northampton Saints will host Top 14 powerhouse ASM Clermont Auvergne.
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Pitting a squad stacked to the brim with young English talent in the Saints against a grizzled veteran squad consisting of players from all four corners of the globe, is in itself a fascinating proposition.
Take into account that both sides are enduring mixed to disappointing seasons, and this clash becomes all the more pressing.
On paper, the two sides each have contrasting paths to victory in this fixture.
For the visitors, they will look to get their big ball carrying forwards into the action early and often. In this area, Samoan International No. 8 Fritz Lee is crucial, particularly given the absence of Marcos Kremer and Peceli Yato from the Clermont match day squad.
At set piece time, the Michelin men hold the edge, with Georgian prop Giorgi Akhaladze a key threat at scrum time.
For the Saints, they will be looking to move their heavyweight visitors around the park.
Front and center to their endeavors will be their dynamic backrow trio of Josh Kemeny, Henry Pollock and Juarano Augustus.
Pollock, in particular, has taken this competition by storm in his debut season at this level. The former England U20 standout already is tipped to be a truly special talent, making it crucial that Clermont nullify his impact early in the contest.
Elsewhere, the Saints all-star backline has proven time and again that they can launch from anywhere on the park. This threat ratchets up the pressure on the Clermont goal kickers to pinpoint when putting boot to ball in particular fly-half Anthony Belleau.
This clash has the potential to be a fascinating contest between two sides with contrasting philosophies.
Should Clermont stay in the fight for the first 65 minutes, then an upset will firmly be on.
Taking into account the dry weather in the UK, the Saints near-certain elimination from the Premiership and the home-field advantage, they are deserved favorites in this one. We see their attacking game being too much to handle for the French side. Northampton by 12.
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