Cotter confident of progression

ASM Clermont Auvergne coach Vern Cotter believes his side are in ‘a good position’ to qualify for the Heineken Cup quarter-finals ahead of Sunday’s crucial Pool Five game with Munster (Stade Marcel Michelin, 3pm, Sky Sports).

Though they trail table toppers Munster by four points and defending Heineken Cup holders London Wasps by three — and are without the suspended flanker Jamie Cudmore — the New Zealander has warned that the French outfit will be a much tougher proposition than that which crashed to a 36-13 defeat in Round Two at Thomond Park in November.

He explained: “We are going into this game against Munster in a good position and we were pleased with our recent performances.