James to break Clermont drought
ASM Clermont Auvergne's fervent supporters had to wait 98 years, and suffered through 10 Final defeats, before eventually delivering the French Championship.
Now Brock James hope to also give the them a first European Champions Cup title in double quick time.
Since the advent of a European club competition in 1995, Clermont have won the Challenge Cup twice and reached the Final of the European Cup once - losing to Saturday's rivals RC Toulon by a single point in Dublin two years ago.
Memories of that 15-16 defeat, along with a record breaking 6-46 semifinal defeat at Twickenham Stadium by Saracens last year, might haunt some sides, especially when coupled with their poor record on delivering in major finals.
But James, who has once again been the guiding light in steering Clermont through to this weekend's inaugural Champions Cup Final, doesn't believe the current side will have any hang ups about RC Toulon, Twickenham Stadium or the club's historical record in finals.
"We have learned a lot from the finals we have played in and what's important is that we have developed as a new team this year - we've had new coaches and new players," said James. "Finals we haven't won in the past are exactly that - in the past. This final is a new opportunity for us.
"There are no psychological barriers for us to overcome at Twickenham. Last year Saracens played very well against us in the semifinal and we weren't up to it that day. We've started a new adventure this season with a new coaching staff and new players."
Roared on by almost 40,000 fans in Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, St Etienne, in the semifinals, Clermont gained ample revenge on Saracens for last year's thrashing by beating them 13-9 with James creating the vital try for Wesley Fofana with an inch-perfect chip over the defence and then kicking the remaining points.
"When I first arrived in Clermont in 2006 the stadium was full for my first game and it has been like that ever since. The supporters had to wait 98 years for their first French Championship crown and we want to make sure they don't have to wait that long for their first Champions Cup title," said James.
"We don't need to replicate what happened with all our fans in St Etienne in the semifinal. We know that wherever we go, even if it isn't 40,000 roaring us on, they will be fully behind us.
"This is where we wanted to be from the start of the season, it is something we have been building up to right from the start of our campaign. Now the most important thing is what happens on the field for 80 minutes.
"Two French teams playing in London maybe a promoters nightmare, but we both knew the final was going to be at Twickenham right from the start and that's what we've been shooting for."
The two teams, who occupy the top two positions in the Top 14 table, have met only once this season, when RC Toulon triumphed at home, and will have to go into battle again in two weeks time. So are there any differences between the Clermont side of 2013, who let a first-half lead slip at the Aviva Stadium, and the Class of 2015?
"Jono Gibbes has come in this season from Leinster and brought with him his experience of winning the PRO12 and the European Cup. He has brought with him a lot of detail and his experiences of preparing for big games and winning competitions," said James.
Clermont's quest to win European club rugby's 'Holy Grail' has been likened to Munster's build-up to their famous triumphs in 2006 and 2008 -'no pain, no gain'. The Irish side were beaten in the finals of 2000 and 2002 before finally making the grade.
Clermont lost to Leinster in the 2010 quarter-final in Dublin, 29-28, and then went down to the same side in the semifinal in Bordeaux in 2012, 19-15. They lost to RC Toulon in Dublin in the 2013 final and then went out at the semifinal stage last year.
There has been enough heartbreak over the past five years to break the spirit and resolve of many, but James and his Clermont side are made of stern stuff. He believes that those bitter disappointments will merely add fuel to their fire this weekend.
Not that he is a man to put the cart before the horse. He knows all too well just how formidable RC Toulon are as a side.
"They have got a long list of very good players. They have constructed their squad how they wanted to, recruited very well and can choose from three or four international players in most positions," added James.
"Steffon Armitage was the European Player of the Year last season, and everyone knows how effective he is at the breakdown, but Juan Smith also brings his international class and experience to their back row.
"They simply have international experience across the field and you can't afford to focus on one or two danger men."
Clermont have a pretty handy side themselves, as the English champions Northampton Saints found out to their cost in the quarter-finals. They were blown away 37-5 in one of the most amazing performances by a side in the knock-out section of European club rugby.
There is so much fire-power outside James that if Clermont can win enough front-foot ball Twickenham Stadium could be in for an attacking treat. French wing Noa Naikataci is returning to the scene of his incredible Six Nations performance against England a few months ago, while Wales and British & Irish Lions centre will be hoping to get his bearings ahead of the World Cup clash with England later in the year.
Then you have the strike power of the Fijian wing Napolioni Nalaga, the silky-smooth skills of Fofana and England wannabe Nick Abendanon at full back.
"Jonathan Davies has fitted in quite well and has really hit his straps since the Six Nations. We have a backline full of international players who are all gelling together well," said James.
"Given the form that Nick has shown for us this season I have been surprised he hasn't been more in the mix with England. Nearly every game he has played he has been one of the top three players in the game. He has brought a different style to our game plan and I'm sure he will love playing at Twickenham."
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