Out-half dilemma vexing Clermont coach Cotter

Clermont Auvergne may be the envy of most clubs in Europe with the wealth of talent at their disposal but while that depth is apparent at out-half, filling the 10 shirt on Saturday is their biggest concern at the moment.

Australian Brock James, often the only non-international to take the field with ‘les jaunes et bleus’ is set to return to the squad from injury while one-cap All Black Mike Delany, who played out-half in the weekend win over Toulouse, is ineligible despite a late attempt by Clermont to have him included.

The hugely experienced French international David Skrela is only expected to return to training this week from injury, while the emerging Ludovic Radosavijevic is a typical protégé who can play both half-back positions. “It is not ideal, our preparations are bit disjointed but we will see how it goes,” said coach Vern Cotter.