Mignoni wants Worcester fileted

Clermont scrum-half on the warpath for Warriors

Pierre Mignoni and his Clermont Auvergne team-mates are just a win away from qualifying for the European Challenge Cup knock-out stages – but the international scrum-half is adamant they must overcome their stern test against Worcester Warriors at Sixways on Saturday.

Clermont, with four wins from four, including a home 29-23 win over Worcester, have a three-point cushion at the top of Pool 5, and with a win guaranteeing their path to the quarter-finals, Mignoni insists they will be giving Worcester their total respect.

If the Jaunards do win it will continue their drive for success on both fronts. Clermont are right on Top 14 leaders Stade Français' heels, and despite leaving some of their strongest players out of the squad, are a good outside bet for the Challenge Cup crown.

"We will travel to Worcester to win the game," he said.

"It is an important game for us and, right from the start of the season, we have played to win both our domestic championship and our European Challenge Cup matches.

"So this one is no different and we now know our opponents a great deal better after playing them in Round 2 last October.

"And, because of that, I find it hard to accept that they are struggling at the bottom of the Guinness Premiership.

"Maybe it is tough for them at this time of the season but they certainly made us work hard as they are a strong, physical side who aim to play a direct game.

"They retain the ball and keep possession as long as possible to push their opponents to the limit and create space or win penalties.

"They have no weakness as they have strong and good players in the pack and a high spirited and influential captain in Pat Sanderson.

"We certainly expect a strong and warm reception and that is why our build-up to the game this week will be all about focusing on Worcester, our fitness and rugby skills and, of course, video, video and more video.

"Wednesday will be a rest day, but Thursday is the big work day and on Friday we’ll be just together for the last run-out before flying to England.
 
"Facing the Warriors will not be an easy deal and we will be really focused on the basics – the set pieces, tackling and our discipline – because we know how tough the Warriors will be to break down."