Champions Cup semi-finals are unfair - they need to be over two legs
1 decade ago by The TelegraphThe European Champions Cup semi-finals have a problem. They need to be played over two legs. At this stage of the tournament, the location of the deciding matches should not be pulled randomly out...
Aristocrats boast differing methods to their majesty
1 decade ago by The TimesClermont and Toulon are fuelled by finance and enjoy huge success but the similarities end there, writes Stuart BarnesToulon and Clermont Auvergne are on a collision course. They are expected to meet...
Veterans have what it takes to carry Clermont to glory
1 decade ago by The TimesBrian O’Driscoll delivers his verdict on the final four contenders in the European Champions Cup ClermontThey are, without a shadow of a doubt, the best team that have never won the European Cup. Teams...
Edinburgh face up to a serious Challenge after injury woes
1 decade ago by The TimesJust when they thought their injury woes were over, Edinburgh have been struck by another clutch of problems as they come to their biggest match of the season. The European Challenge Cup semi-final...
Domestic clubs must roll dice if they are to break French monopoly
1 decade ago by The TimesEnglish clubs will struggle to compete at the top level in European rugby until they find a way of spending more and competing better in the market for the top international players, according to Brian...
Saracens 'are not breaking salary cap' insists chairman Nigel Wray ahead of Clermont Champions Cup semi-final
1 decade ago by The TelegraphNigel Wray reveals that Saracens are not being investigated for alleged breaches of the salary cap, insists that the legal advice taken by the club says they operate within those regulations and believes...
Champions Cup preview: Brian O'Driscoll says 'Money talks so I back French to triumph again'
1 decade ago by The TelegraphBrian O’Driscoll knows more than most what it takes to dominate European club rugby, so his assessment on the eve of the Champions Cup semi-finals that there appears to be no end in sight to the current...
Clermont vs Saracens: Four key clashes to decide European Champions Cup semi-final
1 decade ago by The Telegraph1. Fritz Lee v Billy Vunipola Everyone focuses on Vunipola’s carrying game but what really impressed me against Racing Métro was his defence and fitness. He has this great ability to stop someone...
Saracens turn to Gaelic hero for semi-final clash pep talk
1 decade ago by The TimesMark McCall, the Saracens director of rugby, has turned to the world of Gaelic football for motivation as his side prepare to take on the might of Clermont Auvergne in Saturday’s European Champions...
Clermont Auvergne v Saracens: We would fear Nick Abendanon, says Jonathan Davies ahead of semi-final
1 decade ago by The TelegraphJonathan Davies says he is delighted to have Nick Abendanon on his Clermont Auvergne side for the Champions Cup semi-final against Saracens weekend – but he is worried about the chances of coming up...
