Browne: Clermont will present ‘complete test’

With Brad Thorn recently arrived, Leo Cullen fully recovered from surgery and Devin Toner likely to be named as first reserve, it is unlikely Damian Browne will get to register his ninth Heineken Cup appearance this weekend.

That isn’t to say the Galway lock won’t have a role to play this weekbecause Joe Schmidt isn’t the only man in the Leinster camp who can provide some insight into Clermont’s mindset ahead of Sunday’s semi-final on the continent.

Browne spent three seasons with Brive who, despite being two hours away, count the men from the Auvergne as enemies of their blood. Some of his most vivid memories on the continent were provided by contests against the bleu et jaune.