The closest of calls but Clermont’s hunger may prove decisive

Copious praise has been thrust at Clermont Auvergne this week, but perhaps the most notable aspect to the French side is its patience.

They endured 98 barren years and three successive Top 14 final defeats before breaking their domestic league duck with defeat of Perpignan in May 2010, and now here they are chip, chip, chipping away at a similar, European rock face.

Make no mistake, Vern Cotter’s side was good enough to win the Heineken Cup in any of the previous four years but each and every time they have had the door shut in their face by either Munster or Leinster.