Preview: Bath v Clermont
Clermont Coach Vern Cotter has named a virtually full strength side for the European Challenge Cup Final against Bath on Saturday at the Twickenham Stoop.
Both sides go into the final with an unbeaten record in this seasons European Challenge Cup, and both having been in impressive try scoring form to date.
While Clermont have notched 27 tries Bath are not far behind with 20 of their own. One feels this game will not be decided by the boot, as both sides have played open rugby throughout the tournament.
Clermont has strength throughout their side but the half-back pairing of Brock James and French scrum half Pierre Mignoni will be crucial for the French outfit.
The game will be Tony Marsh's last in Clermont colours and he is joined in the back line by fellow French cap and captain Aurelien Rougerie.
In the pack Argentine hooker Mario Ledesma will be a key player, as will France's Six Nations hero Elvis Vermeulen.
Bath come into the fixture on the back of a three week break from competitive rugby and thus had virtually a full compliment of players to pick from.
Head Coach Steve Meehan has, after much antagonising, selected the side he thinks stands the best chance of countering the Clermont side.
"Selecting the starting XV was not the most straightforward exercise," he said.
"There are a lot of players in the final squad who have played well recently and throughout the season. It was not just about an individual's form, it was the combinations that he has made with people around him that led us to choosing this team.
Steve Borthwick will captain the side, forming the familiar and effective lock partnership with Danny Grewcock, and they are just two members of what is a very powerful pack. Zak Feaunati and Andy Beattie will add power, while Michael Lipman will complete an abrasive back-row.
David Bory takes his place on the wing for what will be his last game in Bath colours. Olly Barclay moves to inside centre with Shaun Berne slotting in at fly-half and he will be partnered by Nick Walshe.
Despite the gap between fixtures Meehan believes his side will go into the game in the best possible shape.
"We feel that our preparation has been good," Meehan said.
"The timing of training and what we have done in it has been positive but it's good that the match is upon us."
Ones to watch: There is no doubt all eyes will be on the farewell boys, David Bory for Bath and Tony Marsh for Clermont. Needless to say both will be wanting to go out on a high, although there is heartache in store for one. Regardless of that they will both bring big games to the table and can be destructive runners with ball in hand.
Head to Head: While there will be intriguing personal battles all over the field there is one that stands out more so than the rest. At the base of the scrum Elvis Vermeulen will battle it out with Zak Feaunati. Vermeulen may have the edge when it comes to pace but Feaunati is a power house and will look to smash holes in the Clermont defence all game. If he gets on the front foot Bath can be a dangerous side. Vermeulen will have his hands cut out in defence and then have to find a big game in attack, something he is more than able to do.
Prediction: It is never easy to call a final, as so often the there is little to pick between the teams. That is the case here but you have to think Bath have the edge up front. This will be key in terms of securing enough ball to win the game. Clermont will cause problems in the back line but with the power up front Bath will sneak this one. Bath by 6.
Bath: 15 Nick Abendanon, 14 Joe Maddock, 13 Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, 12 Olly Barkley, 11 David Bory, 10 Shaun Berne, 9 Nick Walshe, 8 Zak Feaunati, 7 Michael Lipman, 6 Andy Beattie, 5 Danny Grewcock, 4 Steve Borthwick (c), 3 Matt Stevens, 2 Lee Mears, 1 David Barnes.
Replacements: 16 Pieter Dixon, 17 Aaron Jarvis, 18 Peter Short, 19 James Scaysbrook, 20 Andy Williams, 21 Chris Malone, 22 Tom Cheeseman.
ASM Clermont Auvergne: 15 Anthony Floch, 14 Aurelien Rougerie (c), 13 Grant Esterhuizen, 12 Tony Marsh, 11 Julien Malzieu, 10 Brock James, 9 Pierre Mignoni, 8 Elvis Vermeulen, 7 Michel Dieude, 6 Sam Broomhall, 5 Thibaut Privat, 4 Jamie Cudmore, 3 Martin Scelzo, 2 Mario Ledesma, 1 Laurent Emmanuelli.
Replacements: 16 Brice Miguel, 17 Goderzi Shvelidze, 18 Loic Jacquet, 19 Gonzalo Longo, 20 Alessandro Troncon, 21 Seremaia Bai, 22 Raphael Chanal.
Date: Saturday 19th May 2007
Time: 17.30 (16.30 BST)
Venue: Twickenham Stoop
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
Touch judges: High Watkins (Wales), Tim Hayes (Wales)
Television match official: Gareth Simmonds (Wales)