Blueprint for another away-day epic
If Munster are to have a chance in today’s Heineken Cup semi-final in Montpellier, it’s imperative they make the pitch feel smaller than it actually is and deprive Clermont of time and space on the ball. To implement this strategy they need look no further than the defensive system employed by Leinster in their recent encounters against Clermont.
Over the course of three games in 2012 alone, Leinster held the combined attacking might of Clermont to a single try, conceding none over two contests on French soil. In their epic semi-final win last season, the blitz defence implemented by Leinster was so well executed that Clermont were restricted to five penalties, even if it required a miraculous intervention from Gordon D’Arcy at the death to deny Wesley Fofana a certain try and a first final appearance for the French.
The blitz defence — with the defender attacking the ball carrier from the outside in — puts pressure on the passing ability of the team in possession. With Aurelien Rougerie out of the Clermont side, their restructured midfield sees former Scarlet Regan King paired with Fofana. They will not have enjoyed a huge amount of game time together and Munster must seek to put as much pressure as possible on the passing ability of this pairing from the outset.
Against Harlequins, James Downey and Casey Laulala were outstanding in implementing their defensive duties, but they will need to be even more clinical and disciplined this time out. On too many occasions for my liking, Laulala leads with the shoulder in the tackle, not only leaving himself open to bouncing off his intended target but also to a penalty or worse again, a yellow card for not using his arms. Those two will have to trust each other and deliver the type of clinical defensive understanding that has become second nature to Brian O’Driscoll and D’Arcy in these high powered match-ups.
Fofana and King hold the key to unleashing the attacking prowess of a lethal Clermont back three. Munster’s midfield need to impose themselves from the outset as a defensive force to have any chance of keeping this contest alive entering the final quarter. Even then the relative strength of the respective benches tips the balance in Clermont’s favour.
The uncertainty hanging over the fitness of regular out-half Brock James places even more pressure on scrum-half Morgan Parra to deliver. Already entrusted with the place kicking duties after James was found wanting on the big stage on more than one occasion, the diminutive No 9 will have a lot on his plate. James’ dodgy hamstring has severely curtailed his training in recent weeks and with new signing Mike Delany ineligible and David Skrela also ruled out after failing a fitness test yesterday, Clermont are somewhat compromised. Ludovic Radosavljevic, a scrum-half by trade and who starts on the bench today, was pressed into action at out-half against Montpellier in the quarter-final without making any great impact before being replaced by Skrela.
Parra is such a good footballer that Marc Lievremont had sufficient confidence in him to play him at out-half in a World Cup final. While it may not have been successful, it shows just how tactically astute he is. At times however he tends to take on too much and, with James less than 100% fit, may feel the need to do so once again. If Munster can get to him and put him under pressure, he may just try and win the game himself. Breaking the link between Parra and his outside backs would serve the Munster cause nicely but if not executed properly, he has the ability to make you look silly. Conor Murray will have his hands full in this contest.
Clermont coach Vern Cotter is on record that he would have preferred to play Harlequins in this semi-final. Why? Because Irish sides have played havoc with their Heineken Cup aspirations in recent years. On five occasions since 2008, Irish provincial sides have visited the impregnable fortress that is the Stade Marcel Michelin and Clermont, despite dispatching the vast majority of sides with consummate ease, consistently struggled to deal with the Irish challenge. Yes, they did win all five games but on each occasion, Munster, Leinster and Ulster left with a losing bonus point. They have never managed to put an Irish side away.
Leinster have inflicted most pain on Clermont’s European aspirations, what with that one point win in the 2009 quarter-final at the RDS, coupled with the sensational result in Bordeaux last season. When they finally rid themselves of the reigning champions by eliminating them at the pool stage this season, they must have breathed a huge sigh of relief. That is until Munster defied the form book and the odds to account for Harlequins at the Stoop.
Once again Clermont find themselves within 80 minutes of a first final appearance only to have their route blocked by another storied Irish side. Mentally they will find that challenging, even if they are clear favourites. Clermont have a history of failing at the final hurdle. It took them 11 appearances in a French championship final before they finally succeeded in lifting the Bouclier de Brennus.
That is why Munster must apply the exact same template that accounted for Harlequins in the quarter-final. If they can keep within touching distance of Clermont entering the final quarter, they have a chance of creating another shock. Clermont have panicked in tight situations on so many occasions in the past that, one French championship apart in 2010, this squad has precious little silverware to boast about. Munster must play to those mental demons and not allow Clermont the breathing space required to relax and express themselves. If they manage to achieve much they will have a chance. Slim, but a chance nonetheless.
