French under no illusions about Thomond test

Never let it be said that the French don’t do hyperbole. Above the match analysis and the regulation quotes, the rugby newspaper Midi-Olympique has chosen to headline Clermont’s trip to Thomond Park: "Aux Portes de l’Enfer", At the Gates of Hell.

This is no slur on the nature of Limerick as a city – they haven’t all read Frank McCourt — but rather on the heat the Clermontois can expect to feel as they attempt to become the first French team ever to beat Munster at Thomond and perhaps the fear that they can expect a severe grilling.

This game has already taken on the measure of what the Greeks would call katabases. Orpheus nips off to find Eurydice, Heracles swings low to capture Cerberus, Camille Lopez pops over a last minute drop goal to win the match. You get the drift.