Ospreys expect 'interesting' test
Ospreys Head Coach Sean Holley knows very well how stiff a test a trip to Clermont is, labeling his sides opponents this weekend as 'one of the leading sides in Europe.'
The Ospreys have named a strong lineup for the trip and know that a win this weekend would secure them a stop in the quarterfinals.
Previewing the match with the Top 14 giants, Holley said: "They've been on a good run lately and picked up some good wins, most notably away to Toulouse last weekend which put them top in the T14 so we know the size of the challenge that we are up against on Saturday afternoon.
"We've had a good look at their strengths and weaknesses, and it's been interesting viewing to be honest. They've got a good set-piece game and they like to play attacking rugby using their big, strong backs. We know that we are going to be put under pressure by them and their passionate supporters, but we have to stand up to that.
"It's what this competition is all about, you want to be testing yourself against the best, and there's no doubt in mind that description fits our opponents on the weekend. It doesn't get any bigger, or more difficult, than the challenge we face over the next two weeks, against the form team in France, and the form team in England at the Liberty Stadium next weekend.
"We've been strengthened going into the game by the return of some important players to the squad, who have big game experience, and that is something that we will need on Saturday, along with self belief and a strong character."
Clermont, as always, will be a dangerous attacking outfit and boast a side including international stars Aurélien Rougerie, Julien Malzieu and the lethal Napolioni Nalaga.
One interesting selection for the Ospreys is the decision to leave Wales star James Hook on the bench. Hook has featured largely at inside centre for the region this season but that spot will be filled by another international, Andrew Bishop, this weekend in France.
The teams:
Clermont: 15 Anthony Floch, 14 Napolioni Nalaga, 13 Aurélien Rougerie, 12 Seremaïa Bai, 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 Davit Zirakashvili, 2 Mario Ledesma, 1 Thomas Domingo.
Replacements: 16 Willie Wepener, 17 Vincent Debaty, 18 Martin Scelzo, 19 Julien Pierre, 20 Alexandre Audebert, 21 Kevin Senio, 22 Brent Russell, 23 Gonzalo Canale.
Ospreys: 15 Lee Byrne, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Sonny Parker, 12 Andrew Bishop, 11 Nikki Walker, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Ricky Januarie, 8 Ryan Jones (captain), 7 Marty Holah, 6 Jerry Collins, 5 Jonathan Thomas, 4 Alun-Wyn Jones, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Richard Hibbard, 1 Paul James.
Replacements: 16 Huw Bennett, 17 Ryan Bevington, 18 Cai Griffiths, 19 Ian Gough, 20 Filo Tiatia, 21 Jamie Nutbrown, 22 James Hook, 23 Shane Williams.
Date: Saturday, January 16
Kick-off: 16:45 (15:45)
Venue: Stade Marcel Michelin
Referee: David Pearson (England)
TMO: Brian Stirling (Ireland)