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Version 3 Version 4
Clermont Auvergne v Northampton: European Champions Cup – live! Clermont Auvergne v Northampton: European Champions Cup – live!
(35 minutes later)
7.24pm BST19:24
73 min It’s nabbed by Fisher on the floor on the 22, but Northampton only make 10m or so upfield before coughing it up themselves. My apologies, James appears to still be on. Not sure who went off in that case. Holding on on the floor and it’s a penalty to Northampton. Myler finds touch on the home side’s 10m line.
7.22pm BST19:22
71 min Delany and Lacrampe on for James and Rado. James kicks a penalty up to touch on the 22, on the left.
7.21pm BST19:21
70 min Davies loses it forwards in contact though. It’s got silly now, both sides just slinging it about in the rain and going nowhere. In fairness to both sides, they’ll both be knackered.
7.20pm BST19:20
69 min Clermont regain possession from the kick-off, but then Manoa intercepts an offload and they look to put Ken Pisi away. On it goes, but then it’s lost forward by Clark and the counter is on...
7.19pm BST19:19
68 min The Clermont fans are not happy at all with that decision and rightly so. Myler misses the conversion right.
7.18pm BST19:18
Try (Waller 67) Clermont 37-5 Northampton
Remarkably, it’s a try and nothing more.
7.17pm BST19:17
Waller grounded the ball fine, but immediately punched Ulugia in the face. That’s as stupid as you’ll see; Ulugia did nothing wrong bar try and slide under the scorer.
7.16pm BST19:16
67 min From the lineout, Day has a drive but he’s stopped. Myler takes it on and Fotuali’i has a dart. He’s short, but then it’s recycled to Waller who crosses, but I’m not sure he’s grounded it properly...
7.15pm BST19:15
66 min That was a great tackle by Abendanon on Day, but Rougerie gives away a penalty for handling it on the floor. Bardy is on for Fritz Lee.
7.14pm BST19:14
65 min A chance here as Elliott fields a kick in space and looks to arch round the left. He’s cut down, but Jon Fisher takes it on. The ball is recycled and flung wide, where Northampton have an overlap but it’s the lock Day and he’s stopped.
7.13pm BST19:13
64 min Penalty to Northampton at the scrum. Clermont actually stuck Nalaga in the pack there in order to try and push Northampton off their own ball. Kayser, Zirakashvili and Cudmore are off, Ulugia, Ric and Pierre on.
7.11pm BST19:11
63 min It’s a Northampton scrum 5m from their own line. Pierre and Bardy are warming up for the Saints.
7.10pm BST19:10
62 min Fofana off, Rougerie on. James sticks the ball into the corner as Haywood replaces Hartley. Rougerie is going to score, isn’t he? Lee wins the lineout and drives up to the line. They shift towards the corner, but knock on on the floor. Stpehenson on for George Pisi for Northampton.
7.08pm BST19:08
60 min The lineout is overthrown and Lee secures the ball. Left it goes and Abendanon bursts through, but it goes forward off Fofana when he offloads. Northampton turn it over again on their own 10m line and after two phases someone goes off their feet. Penalty Clermont.
7.07pm BST19:07
59 min Clermont come away, up to the 22 before James clears to touch on the right. Clermont have certainly lowered the intensity levels, but they barely see Northampton as a threat now. Tuala replaces Wilson.
7.06pm BST19:06
58 min Myler goes into the corner and Northampton set themselves again from the lineout. They knock on though.
Top of the league, boys. Still top of the league.
7.05pm BST19:05
Bonnaire sin bin (57)
57 min On they drive but the ball goes loose as Cudmore makes a strong tackle on Waller. James clears, but only on the 22. It’s eventually won and Fotuali’i goes on a sniping run, but he’s sniping sideways. Penalty given 35m out as Bonnaire plays it on the ground and the flanker goes to the sin bin.
7.03pm BST19:03
56 min Domingo is on for Debaty. Anyway, the ball goes loose at the restart and Northampton get a lineout on the left, 20m from the Clermont line.
7.02pm BST19:02
Converted try! (Abendanon 55) Clermont 37-0 Northampton
The ball goes loose, Myler leaves it alone and Abendanon strips George Pisi of the ball. He sprints 95m unchallenged and goes under the posts.
7.01pm BST19:01
54 min A really good kick to the corner by Myler and we’ll see if Hartley can hit his man this time. Aye, he does and Clark then Day carry up to the 5m line. Dickinson takes it on, then Clark before Burrell charges through a tiny gap to within a metre...
6.59pm BST18:59
53 min Bonnaire rises and claims the ball unchallenged. Fotuali’i is on for Dickson. It’s cleared long and Northampton run at the defence again, but now from 60m. Lee comes in at the side and gives away another penalty.
6.58pm BST18:58
52 min After several phases, Clermont come in at the side and give away a penalty. Myler goes to the left-hand corner.
6.58pm BST18:58
51 min Ground gained! Ground gained for Northampton and it’s Wilson who is slipped around the corner by Clark. Northampton’s two best players linking nicely there, but the rest of the team are pushed back from the 22 again. Northampton are not Arnold Schwarzenegger it turns out.
6.57pm BST18:57
50 min Northampton win the ball and Burrell takes it up on the crash ball, but is driven back. Northampton are punching away at the Clermont line now but it’s like getting into a fist fight with Predator.
6.56pm BST18:56
49 min So it’s a Clermont lineout on the Saints 10m line and they win that easily enough. It’s worked inside, but Cudmore is penalised for a side-entry. Myler kicks to touch on the left, 30m out.
6.55pm BST18:55
48 min Wilson now goes long and Davies takes wonderfully. James sends it long to Wilson again, but the Saints full-back puts his kick inches out on the full. One of those days, isn’t it?
6.54pm BST18:54
47 min Myler restarts, Davies clears to Ken Pisi.
6.53pm BST18:53
Penalty (James 47) Clermont 30-0 Northampton
Wood receives a round of applause as he gets to his feet. James slots the penalty from under the sticks.
6.52pm BST18:52
Tom Wood is down having treatment after being hammered by Cudmore at a ruck, with the latter looking to clear out a ruck. Wood got a head right in the, er, head.
6.50pm BST18:50
46 min Myler is caught in the middle, inside his 22 and holds on. Penalty Clermont. That was dreadful from Northampton.
6.50pm BST18:50
45 min Clermont have possession on halfway and Rado sends it high. Pisi takes and is flattened by Fofana. Saints keep it though and go left, then right along the line without finding any space to exploit.
6.48pm BST18:486.48pm BST18:48
44 min Dickinson picks up at the back of the scrum, but it’s slow ball. Myler goes short side and Ken Pisi chips ahead from halfway, but the ball goes out on the full.44 min Dickinson picks up at the back of the scrum, but it’s slow ball. Myler goes short side and Ken Pisi chips ahead from halfway, but the ball goes out on the full.
6.47pm BST18:476.47pm BST18:47
43 min Clermont win the lineout, but it’s a good counter maul from Northampton and they get they get the put-in to the scrum. We’re told Lawes going off was a tactical change, but he’s being strapped up.43 min Clermont win the lineout, but it’s a good counter maul from Northampton and they get they get the put-in to the scrum. We’re told Lawes going off was a tactical change, but he’s being strapped up.
6.47pm BST18:476.47pm BST18:47
42 min Bonnaire wins the lineout and Lee carries up to the 10m line. Lee too was outstanding in that first half. Oh hell, they all were. James kicks long to Wilson, who calls the mark in his 22 and finds a good touch down the right. The Kiwi full-back was one of the bright points for Northampton but even he was outshone by his opposite number.42 min Bonnaire wins the lineout and Lee carries up to the 10m line. Lee too was outstanding in that first half. Oh hell, they all were. James kicks long to Wilson, who calls the mark in his 22 and finds a good touch down the right. The Kiwi full-back was one of the bright points for Northampton but even he was outshone by his opposite number.
6.45pm BST18:456.45pm BST18:45
41 min The boss says I have to do the second half of this, too. He’s mean. Christian Day is on for Lawes as Clermont get the game back underway and Myler kicks to Abendanon, who returns to Wilson then takes his opposite number into touch. Abendanon has been magnificent.41 min The boss says I have to do the second half of this, too. He’s mean. Christian Day is on for Lawes as Clermont get the game back underway and Myler kicks to Abendanon, who returns to Wilson then takes his opposite number into touch. Abendanon has been magnificent.
6.44pm BST18:446.44pm BST18:44
@DanLucas86 so I take it we're not going to holiday in Clermont anytime soon?@DanLucas86 so I take it we're not going to holiday in Clermont anytime soon?
No dear.No dear.
6.43pm BST18:436.43pm BST18:43
The problem for Northampton is that there’s absolutely nothing they could do there. They’ve done well in the lineout, I suppose, but the scrum has been battered, they’ve lost every restart and Clermont’s forwards are too strong in the loose. It means they home side’s backs can cut loose and there will only every be one winner there, no matter who the opponents are.The problem for Northampton is that there’s absolutely nothing they could do there. They’ve done well in the lineout, I suppose, but the scrum has been battered, they’ve lost every restart and Clermont’s forwards are too strong in the loose. It means they home side’s backs can cut loose and there will only every be one winner there, no matter who the opponents are.
6.40pm BST18:406.40pm BST18:40
A dilemma: My parents and grandparents are out for dinner right now, for my granddad’s birthday (happy birthday, Alan Patridge!). They don’t want to know the score as they’re recording the game and will watch it later. Should I warn them not to bother?A dilemma: My parents and grandparents are out for dinner right now, for my granddad’s birthday (happy birthday, Alan Patridge!). They don’t want to know the score as they’re recording the game and will watch it later. Should I warn them not to bother?
6.31pm BST18:316.31pm BST18:31
I don’t think I can be any more eloquent than this.I don’t think I can be any more eloquent than this.
@DanLucas86 pic.twitter.com/wWnlvgCvZd@DanLucas86 pic.twitter.com/wWnlvgCvZd
Clermont have been nye-on perfect in every aspect, simply beating Northampton up – not something the Franklins Gardens faithful are used to seeing – and then slicing their bloodied cadavers apart with the slickest handling you’ll see. The All Blacks play like this, it’s that good.Clermont have been nye-on perfect in every aspect, simply beating Northampton up – not something the Franklins Gardens faithful are used to seeing – and then slicing their bloodied cadavers apart with the slickest handling you’ll see. The All Blacks play like this, it’s that good.
6.29pm BST18:296.29pm BST18:29
Half-time: Clermont 27-0 NorthamptonHalf-time: Clermont 27-0 Northampton
I need a drink.I need a drink.
6.29pm BST18:296.29pm BST18:29
40 min Manoa goes for the restart but can’t cling on and knocks it out for a throw. This has been utterly magnificent from Clermont.40 min Manoa goes for the restart but can’t cling on and knocks it out for a throw. This has been utterly magnificent from Clermont.
6.28pm BST18:286.28pm BST18:28
Brilliant converted try! (Fofana 38) Clermont 27-0 NorthamptonBrilliant converted try! (Fofana 38) Clermont 27-0 Northampton
Davies smashes up over the 10m line; the quality of Clermont’s passing is stunning. Over the gainline they go, left, then right. Abendanon pops it inside to Fofana after some slick handling and neat stepping to go past Wood. The centre flies over for try number three.Davies smashes up over the 10m line; the quality of Clermont’s passing is stunning. Over the gainline they go, left, then right. Abendanon pops it inside to Fofana after some slick handling and neat stepping to go past Wood. The centre flies over for try number three.
6.26pm BST18:266.26pm BST18:26
37 min Dickson is caught by Lee at the back of the scrum, holds on and gives away a penalty. This has been a bloodbath. Northampton are kicking too much ball away and literally playing into Clermont’s hands. The French side have been great, mind.37 min Dickson is caught by Lee at the back of the scrum, holds on and gives away a penalty. This has been a bloodbath. Northampton are kicking too much ball away and literally playing into Clermont’s hands. The French side have been great, mind.
6.24pm BST18:246.24pm BST18:24
35 min Wilson brilliantly fields Abendanon’s stab through and Northampton look to counter. They go right, then left and Elliott is nearly put away down the touchline by Wilson, but a Clermont hand gets in there and knocks it on.35 min Wilson brilliantly fields Abendanon’s stab through and Northampton look to counter. They go right, then left and Elliott is nearly put away down the touchline by Wilson, but a Clermont hand gets in there and knocks it on.
6.23pm BST18:236.23pm BST18:23
34 min That was great work by Manoa, but his side aren’t in the game.34 min That was great work by Manoa, but his side aren’t in the game.
6.22pm BST18:226.22pm BST18:22
33 min The ball bounces loose in the 22 from the kick-off and Manoa grabs it and charges for the line. Hartley recycles it, but then Saints are smothered at the breakdown, hold on and James clears to touch over halfway.33 min The ball bounces loose in the 22 from the kick-off and Manoa grabs it and charges for the line. Hartley recycles it, but then Saints are smothered at the breakdown, hold on and James clears to touch over halfway.
6.21pm BST18:216.21pm BST18:21
Converted try! (Nakaitaci 31) Clermont 20-0 NorthamptonConverted try! (Nakaitaci 31) Clermont 20-0 Northampton
Dickinson pinches the lineout, but it’s kicked away and Rado fields. He passes to Fofana, who bursts through the middle. He’s dragged down short, but Clermont drive on through Nalaga. Right goes the ball, there’s a massive overlap and Nakaitaci is off his wing to score in the corner. James converts from the touchline because it’s one of those days.Dickinson pinches the lineout, but it’s kicked away and Rado fields. He passes to Fofana, who bursts through the middle. He’s dragged down short, but Clermont drive on through Nalaga. Right goes the ball, there’s a massive overlap and Nakaitaci is off his wing to score in the corner. James converts from the touchline because it’s one of those days.
Updated at 6.21pm BSTUpdated at 6.21pm BST
6.19pm BST18:196.19pm BST18:19
30 min James kicks to touch on the left, 5m outside the Saints’ 22. Can we stop this liveblog now, on humanitarian grounds?30 min James kicks to touch on the left, 5m outside the Saints’ 22. Can we stop this liveblog now, on humanitarian grounds?
6.18pm BST18:186.18pm BST18:18
29 min Turned over and James kicks down the middle to Wilson. He gives it to Elliott, who goes up over the home 10m line. Dickinson drives on, but holds on to it on the floor and is penalised.29 min Turned over and James kicks down the middle to Wilson. He gives it to Elliott, who goes up over the home 10m line. Dickinson drives on, but holds on to it on the floor and is penalised.
6.17pm BST18:176.17pm BST18:17
28 min Myler finds touch on the left, a metre inside the 22. Wood takes it at the front and Northampton go for the maul. Dickson pops a cute inside ball to Elliott, but the door remains shut. Saints are pinned on the 22 here and are going backwards.28 min Myler finds touch on the left, a metre inside the 22. Wood takes it at the front and Northampton go for the maul. Dickson pops a cute inside ball to Elliott, but the door remains shut. Saints are pinned on the 22 here and are going backwards.
6.16pm BST18:166.16pm BST18:16
27 min Manoa claims the restart on halfway, but the ball slips from his grasp into that of Nakaitaci. The winger races clear of Dickson, up to halfway, but then Clermont go off their feet at the ruck.27 min Manoa claims the restart on halfway, but the ball slips from his grasp into that of Nakaitaci. The winger races clear of Dickson, up to halfway, but then Clermont go off their feet at the ruck.
6.15pm BST18:156.15pm BST18:15
Penalty (James 27) Clermont 13-0 NorthamptonPenalty (James 27) Clermont 13-0 Northampton
From 38m out and 13m infield, James is going to go for a tough kick. Through it goes though as the rain starts to come down.From 38m out and 13m infield, James is going to go for a tough kick. Through it goes though as the rain starts to come down.
6.13pm BST18:136.13pm BST18:13
25 min The scrum goes down and John Lacey awards Clermont a penalty. “You need to improve your standards,” he warns Salesi Ma’afu, ominously.25 min The scrum goes down and John Lacey awards Clermont a penalty. “You need to improve your standards,” he warns Salesi Ma’afu, ominously.
6.12pm BST18:126.12pm BST18:12
24 min That should have been a penalty against Chouly for obstructing the tackler, but Northampton are getting thumped here and they’ve lost the ball on their own scrum. Luckily for them it came straight out the tunnel, so we’ll reset. The pitch, incidentally, is a terrible mess.24 min That should have been a penalty against Chouly for obstructing the tackler, but Northampton are getting thumped here and they’ve lost the ball on their own scrum. Luckily for them it came straight out the tunnel, so we’ll reset. The pitch, incidentally, is a terrible mess.
6.11pm BST18:116.11pm BST18:11
22 min Saints scrum 30m from their own line and Burrell takes it up on the crash ball, before Myler kicks straight to Nakaitaci. He goes left to Nalaga, who speeds down the left only to offload forward. Scrum Northampton wide on the right, on their own 10m line.22 min Saints scrum 30m from their own line and Burrell takes it up on the crash ball, before Myler kicks straight to Nakaitaci. He goes left to Nalaga, who speeds down the left only to offload forward. Scrum Northampton wide on the right, on their own 10m line.
6.09pm BST18:096.09pm BST18:09
21 min Northampton win the turnover and go right. George Pisi chips ahead into space, but Abendanon spins brilliantly out of two tackles. Right it goes and Clermont have the numbers to counter attack. Fofana uses his dancing feet to go straight through the centre; he’s almost away until Wilson makes an outstanding last-gasp tackle to save his side.21 min Northampton win the turnover and go right. George Pisi chips ahead into space, but Abendanon spins brilliantly out of two tackles. Right it goes and Clermont have the numbers to counter attack. Fofana uses his dancing feet to go straight through the centre; he’s almost away until Wilson makes an outstanding last-gasp tackle to save his side.
6.08pm BST18:086.08pm BST18:08
20 min Northampton win the ball but kick it away again, having gained no territory at all. Abendanon goes on an arching run, then it’s recycled to Nakaitaci, who gets up to the 22.20 min Northampton win the ball but kick it away again, having gained no territory at all. Abendanon goes on an arching run, then it’s recycled to Nakaitaci, who gets up to the 22.
6.07pm BST18:076.07pm BST18:07
19 min Early push by Northampton and that’s a free-kick. Incidentally you can run a pool on the number of different ways I’m going to spell Zirakashvili tonight. Clermont clear to touch down the right and the Saints get a lineout on their own 22.19 min Early push by Northampton and that’s a free-kick. Incidentally you can run a pool on the number of different ways I’m going to spell Zirakashvili tonight. Clermont clear to touch down the right and the Saints get a lineout on their own 22.
Updated at 6.07pm BSTUpdated at 6.07pm BST
6.06pm BST18:066.06pm BST18:06
18 min Or not. Zirikhashvili knocks on on the floor and Northampton have a scrum on the 22. The wind, incidentally, is a nightmare for the kickers out there.18 min Or not. Zirikhashvili knocks on on the floor and Northampton have a scrum on the 22. The wind, incidentally, is a nightmare for the kickers out there.
6.05pm BST18:056.05pm BST18:05
17 min James restarts long to Myler. He puts it up and the ball comes back to Northampton; Wilson then stabs a nice grubber through to touch on the left, just inside the Clermont 22. It’s good territory but Clermont’s lineout is strong and they retain possession at this one.17 min James restarts long to Myler. He puts it up and the ball comes back to Northampton; Wilson then stabs a nice grubber through to touch on the left, just inside the Clermont 22. It’s good territory but Clermont’s lineout is strong and they retain possession at this one.
6.04pm BST18:046.04pm BST18:04
16 min Myler will go for goal from 38m, around 10m to the left of the sticks. He’s pushed it wide to the right though.16 min Myler will go for goal from 38m, around 10m to the left of the sticks. He’s pushed it wide to the right though.
6.03pm BST18:036.03pm BST18:03
15 min Lawes steals it but the ball bounces awkwardly and comes back into Clermont hands. Rado is caught on the floor by Clark though and Northampton win the penalty. Great work that from Clark, who has been so, so impressive at the breakdown this season.15 min Lawes steals it but the ball bounces awkwardly and comes back into Clermont hands. Rado is caught on the floor by Clark though and Northampton win the penalty. Great work that from Clark, who has been so, so impressive at the breakdown this season.
6.02pm BST18:026.02pm BST18:02
14 min The strength of the winger there was phenomenal, bouncing off two tackles before crossing. James and Wilson exchange long kicks, with the latter finding touch up on the Clermont 10m line.14 min The strength of the winger there was phenomenal, bouncing off two tackles before crossing. James and Wilson exchange long kicks, with the latter finding touch up on the Clermont 10m line.
6.01pm BST18:016.01pm BST18:01
Converted try! (Nakaitaki 13) Clermont 10-0 NorthamptonConverted try! (Nakaitaki 13) Clermont 10-0 Northampton
Nor was he held by Ma’afu in the tackle, so it’s not a double movement. Try under the posts.Nor was he held by Ma’afu in the tackle, so it’s not a double movement. Try under the posts.
6.00pm BST18:006.00pm BST18:00
...it was not held up......it was not held up...
5.59pm BST17:595.59pm BST17:59
13 min Lee takes it, then Fofana goes through a gap to within five metres! The ball is recycled and then Nakaitaki, off his wing, wriggles over the line. They’re checking for a double movement, although to me it looks like it was actually held up...13 min Lee takes it, then Fofana goes through a gap to within five metres! The ball is recycled and then Nakaitaki, off his wing, wriggles over the line. They’re checking for a double movement, although to me it looks like it was actually held up...
5.58pm BST17:585.58pm BST17:58
12 min Hartley throws long and Wood is in tune with his hooker. It goes back to Myler and he clears to touch, but isn’t happy with the distance as it only reaches the 22.12 min Hartley throws long and Wood is in tune with his hooker. It goes back to Myler and he clears to touch, but isn’t happy with the distance as it only reaches the 22.
5.57pm BST17:575.57pm BST17:57
11 min Nalaga claims the high ball under pressure from Ken Pisi and works it left. Clermont’s two props carry it up over halfway, then James sends a brilliant, tumbling cross-field kick right into the corner. A big throw now for Hartley, 5m from his own line.11 min Nalaga claims the high ball under pressure from Ken Pisi and works it left. Clermont’s two props carry it up over halfway, then James sends a brilliant, tumbling cross-field kick right into the corner. A big throw now for Hartley, 5m from his own line.
5.56pm BST17:565.56pm BST17:56
10 min Better from Northampton as Zirakhashvili collapses the scrum. One for Corbisiero. Myler clears to touch down the right, finding it near halfway.10 min Better from Northampton as Zirakhashvili collapses the scrum. One for Corbisiero. Myler clears to touch down the right, finding it near halfway.
5.55pm BST17:555.55pm BST17:55
9 min Northampton’s pack is a fair bit heavier, which is surprising. They have the scrum here 16m from their line, wide on the right.9 min Northampton’s pack is a fair bit heavier, which is surprising. They have the scrum here 16m from their line, wide on the right.
5.54pm BST17:545.54pm BST17:54
8 min Left it goes and Nalaga takes it into the 22, but he spills it. Dickson’s box-kick is charged down, but we’ll go back for the scrum.8 min Left it goes and Nalaga takes it into the 22, but he spills it. Dickson’s box-kick is charged down, but we’ll go back for the scrum.
5.53pm BST17:535.53pm BST17:53
7 min Kayser, a metre inside his own half, finds Bonnaire at the front. Inside it goes and Rado finds Davies with a long, miss pass on the bounce. Clermont carry it up over halfway and they’re winning the gainline battle.7 min Kayser, a metre inside his own half, finds Bonnaire at the front. Inside it goes and Rado finds Davies with a long, miss pass on the bounce. Clermont carry it up over halfway and they’re winning the gainline battle.
5.52pm BST17:525.52pm BST17:52
6 min Cudmore goes up and just about gets hold of the restart a metre outside his 22. Lee carries it forward, then James kicks long, down the middle and into the Saints 22. Wilson returns and finds touch on the right, up around halfway.6 min Cudmore goes up and just about gets hold of the restart a metre outside his 22. Lee carries it forward, then James kicks long, down the middle and into the Saints 22. Wilson returns and finds touch on the right, up around halfway.
5.51pm BST17:515.51pm BST17:51
Penalty (James 5) Clermont 3-0 NorthamptonPenalty (James 5) Clermont 3-0 Northampton
From 30m, right in front, James has no problems. As you’d expect from a 10 at a club this size.From 30m, right in front, James has no problems. As you’d expect from a 10 at a club this size.
5.50pm BST17:505.50pm BST17:50
4 min The first scrum then, 30m from the Saints’ line. It’s magnificent from the home side and they get the penalty as Northampton’s much-vaunted pack is smashed.4 min The first scrum then, 30m from the Saints’ line. It’s magnificent from the home side and they get the penalty as Northampton’s much-vaunted pack is smashed.
5.49pm BST17:495.49pm BST17:49
3 min Radoslavjevic, whom we’ll be calling Rado from now on, kicks poorly, long and in-goal. Wilson goes long with the drop-out, James returns and then Wilson knocks on in the offload.3 min Radoslavjevic, whom we’ll be calling Rado from now on, kicks poorly, long and in-goal. Wilson goes long with the drop-out, James returns and then Wilson knocks on in the offload.
5.48pm BST17:485.48pm BST17:48
2 min Hartley’s throw is tapped back by Dickinson to Dickson and the Saints just about get possession. Dickson kicks high and Nakaitaci calls the mark in his 22. I was impressed with the Fijian-born winger during the Six Nations and Jamie Elliott will find him a handful. Again it’s cleared to touch on halfway, then Northampton turn it over in the middle of the field.2 min Hartley’s throw is tapped back by Dickinson to Dickson and the Saints just about get possession. Dickson kicks high and Nakaitaci calls the mark in his 22. I was impressed with the Fijian-born winger during the Six Nations and Jamie Elliott will find him a handful. Again it’s cleared to touch on halfway, then Northampton turn it over in the middle of the field.
5.46pm BST17:465.46pm BST17:46
1 min Here goes then, Stephen Myler kicks off from right to left. It’s taken deep in the 22, close to the touchline by Nakaitaci. James clears with a splendid kick to touch on halfway from a tight angle.1 min Here goes then, Stephen Myler kicks off from right to left. It’s taken deep in the 22, close to the touchline by Nakaitaci. James clears with a splendid kick to touch on halfway from a tight angle.
5.45pm BST17:455.45pm BST17:45
The teams are coming out. Stuart Barnes reckons that the absence of Lopez and Parra gives Northampton a chance. I fear he’s overstating Brock James’ tendency to wobble.The teams are coming out. Stuart Barnes reckons that the absence of Lopez and Parra gives Northampton a chance. I fear he’s overstating Brock James’ tendency to wobble.
5.42pm BST17:425.42pm BST17:42
Some statement, this:Some statement, this:
For me, this atmosphere is already easily better than Thomond Park. The loudest pre-match I've heard in a European Cup game.For me, this atmosphere is already easily better than Thomond Park. The loudest pre-match I've heard in a European Cup game.
5.41pm BST17:415.41pm BST17:41
The first email of the day comes from Neil Connolly in Dublin, who writes: “Hi Dan, I don’t get to see much Premier Rugby, so it’s difficult to say where Bath are. But that was a poor game and nobody will be scared by Leinster, I feel. Expect this to be higher quality, albeit less close. Still think this is England’s best semi final chance.Good luck to you lot. Live the Saints fans.”The first email of the day comes from Neil Connolly in Dublin, who writes: “Hi Dan, I don’t get to see much Premier Rugby, so it’s difficult to say where Bath are. But that was a poor game and nobody will be scared by Leinster, I feel. Expect this to be higher quality, albeit less close. Still think this is England’s best semi final chance.Good luck to you lot. Live the Saints fans.”
Cheers Neil. I reckon Saracens in Paris tomorrow have England’s best chance of getting through, but then maybe I’m just a pessimist.Cheers Neil. I reckon Saracens in Paris tomorrow have England’s best chance of getting through, but then maybe I’m just a pessimist.
Updated at 5.46pm BSTUpdated at 5.46pm BST
5.34pm BST17:345.34pm BST17:34
This would be Northampton’s biggest win since they actually won the whole thing, beating Munster back in 2000. In 2013 they did for Leinster away, they did for Ulster in 2012 and in 2007 the worst Saints team I’ve ever seen beat Biarritz away. There’s precedent for them getting big, unexpected results, but this is Clermont away.This would be Northampton’s biggest win since they actually won the whole thing, beating Munster back in 2000. In 2013 they did for Leinster away, they did for Ulster in 2012 and in 2007 the worst Saints team I’ve ever seen beat Biarritz away. There’s precedent for them getting big, unexpected results, but this is Clermont away.
5.27pm BST17:275.27pm BST17:27
We’ve just had a thriller in Dublin, but I fear this game won’t be so close. I’m going with Clermont by 20 unless the Northampton back row have the game of their lives.We’ve just had a thriller in Dublin, but I fear this game won’t be so close. I’m going with Clermont by 20 unless the Northampton back row have the game of their lives.
If Tom Wood, Calum Clark and Sam Dickinson can play at their very, very best then Northampton do at least have the better kicker in Stephen Myler. The other area that’s going to be fascinating is the scrum: Debaty, Kayser and Zirakashvili will face few tests as stern as Corbisiero, Hartley and Ma’afu, but Clermont’s bench looks stronger.If Tom Wood, Calum Clark and Sam Dickinson can play at their very, very best then Northampton do at least have the better kicker in Stephen Myler. The other area that’s going to be fascinating is the scrum: Debaty, Kayser and Zirakashvili will face few tests as stern as Corbisiero, Hartley and Ma’afu, but Clermont’s bench looks stronger.
4.45pm BST16:454.45pm BST16:45
Evening folks. And gulp. I think I’ve mentioned it before, but in the interests of full disclosure, your MBMer today is a lifelong Northampton fan. And he is scared. He went to Alton Towers yesterday, looked at the big roller coasters, chickened out and he’s a lot more scared today. The bastard offspring of Monty Burns and the xenomorph queen from Aliens would be a less frightening proposition than that which faces Northampton this evening: Clermont at Stade Marcel Michelin.Evening folks. And gulp. I think I’ve mentioned it before, but in the interests of full disclosure, your MBMer today is a lifelong Northampton fan. And he is scared. He went to Alton Towers yesterday, looked at the big roller coasters, chickened out and he’s a lot more scared today. The bastard offspring of Monty Burns and the xenomorph queen from Aliens would be a less frightening proposition than that which faces Northampton this evening: Clermont at Stade Marcel Michelin.
The hosts’ record at home is stunning: undefeated in Europe in 22 matches, they’re arguably club rugby’s equivalent of Steve Waugh’s Australia. What’s more, if Northampton’s coach Jim Mallinder is to be believed – and he’s one of the smarter coaches out there – they have no weak spots. Internationals pepper this team like swear words do a Malcolm Tucker monologue and, after years of failing to actually win this thing and last year’s semi-final thrashing by Saracens, they have something of a point to prove.The hosts’ record at home is stunning: undefeated in Europe in 22 matches, they’re arguably club rugby’s equivalent of Steve Waugh’s Australia. What’s more, if Northampton’s coach Jim Mallinder is to be believed – and he’s one of the smarter coaches out there – they have no weak spots. Internationals pepper this team like swear words do a Malcolm Tucker monologue and, after years of failing to actually win this thing and last year’s semi-final thrashing by Saracens, they have something of a point to prove.
The Saints too have eyes on this trophy though. After all, it feels like the next step after donning the Premiership crown last May and earlier this season they looked like one of the favourites. However home and away defeats to Racing Metro in the pool stages mean they have the toughest of draws, against a side who already dispatched Saracens and Munster on their way here. Both sides have injuries, with Morgan Parra and Camille Lopez missing for Clermont and George North out for a month on the Saints side after picking up another concussion.The Saints too have eyes on this trophy though. After all, it feels like the next step after donning the Premiership crown last May and earlier this season they looked like one of the favourites. However home and away defeats to Racing Metro in the pool stages mean they have the toughest of draws, against a side who already dispatched Saracens and Munster on their way here. Both sides have injuries, with Morgan Parra and Camille Lopez missing for Clermont and George North out for a month on the Saints side after picking up another concussion.
Jamie Elliott takes North’s place in the team, while Luther Burrell comes in for the impressive Tom Stephenson to make his first appearance since the Six Nations. Kick-off is at 5.45pm BST, or 6.45pm for you lucky folk in France. Expect one hell of a battle: fast, physical, furious and possibly brilliant, because JUST LOOK AT THOSE TEAMS!Jamie Elliott takes North’s place in the team, while Luther Burrell comes in for the impressive Tom Stephenson to make his first appearance since the Six Nations. Kick-off is at 5.45pm BST, or 6.45pm for you lucky folk in France. Expect one hell of a battle: fast, physical, furious and possibly brilliant, because JUST LOOK AT THOSE TEAMS!
Clermont: Nick Abendanon; Noa Nakaitaci, Jonathan Davies, Wesley Fofana; Napolioni Nalaga; Brock James, Ludovic Radoslavjevic; Vincent Debaty, Benjamin Kayser, Davit Zirakashvili, Jamie Cudmore, Sebastien Vahaamahina, Damien Chouly (c), Julien Bonnaire, Fritz Lee.Clermont: Nick Abendanon; Noa Nakaitaci, Jonathan Davies, Wesley Fofana; Napolioni Nalaga; Brock James, Ludovic Radoslavjevic; Vincent Debaty, Benjamin Kayser, Davit Zirakashvili, Jamie Cudmore, Sebastien Vahaamahina, Damien Chouly (c), Julien Bonnaire, Fritz Lee.
Replacements: John Ulugia, Tomas Domingo, Clement Ric, Julian Pierre, Julien Bardy, Thierry Lacrampe, Mike Delany, Aurelien Rougerie.Replacements: John Ulugia, Tomas Domingo, Clement Ric, Julian Pierre, Julien Bardy, Thierry Lacrampe, Mike Delany, Aurelien Rougerie.
Northampton: James Wilson; Ken Pisi, George Pisi, Luther Burrell, Jamie Elliott; Stephen Myler, Lee Dickson; Alex Corbisiero, Dylan Hartley (c), Salesi Ma’afu, Samu Manoa, Courtney Lawes, Tom Wood, Calum Clark, Sam Dickinson.Northampton: James Wilson; Ken Pisi, George Pisi, Luther Burrell, Jamie Elliott; Stephen Myler, Lee Dickson; Alex Corbisiero, Dylan Hartley (c), Salesi Ma’afu, Samu Manoa, Courtney Lawes, Tom Wood, Calum Clark, Sam Dickinson.
Replacements: Mike Haywood, Alex Waller, Gareth Denman, Christian Day, Jon Fisher, Kahn Fotuali’i, Tom Stephenson, Ahsee Tuala.Replacements: Mike Haywood, Alex Waller, Gareth Denman, Christian Day, Jon Fisher, Kahn Fotuali’i, Tom Stephenson, Ahsee Tuala.
Referee: John Lacey (Ireland).Referee: John Lacey (Ireland).