Champions Cup Preview: Clermont Auvergne Vs Ulster Rugby

Although Ulster have wrapped up 17 points and are currently sitting in the top spot in Pool 3 there place isn't exactly guaranteed with Clermont one point behind them. The two face each other on Saturday and this will most likely decide who will automatically get a quarter-final birth. 

Remaining fixtures:

11 January 2020 - Clermont vs Ulster

18 January 2020 - Ulster vs Bath

Ulster Rugby wing Jacob Stockdale has revealed that the Irish province are looking forward to testing themselves at ASM Clermont Auvergne on Saturday for the Champions Cup Pool 3 decider.

Despite a victory over Clermont in Belfast in Round 2, Stockdale – who has played every minute of Ulster’s European campaign this term – knows the challenge that awaits his team in France. 

The 23-year-old Irish international told Ulster’s website: “Clermont away is a tough place to go and we know that not many teams go there and win. 

“But look, we thrive on those opportunities and those challenges, so we are looking forward to it.”

Ulster full-back Will Addison also expects a cup final atmosphere on Saturday at the Stade Marcel Michelin.  

“It feels like a cup final and I’m sure Clermont will feel the exact same,” Addison told BBC Northern Ireland. 

“You don’t need to be a mathematician to have a look at the pool and see we’re the two teams competing at the top of the table. 

“You have to go there as a really tight unit, because there aren’t going to be too many voices in that Clermont crowd this weekend shouting for us.” 

What the permutations look like for the Irish sides:

Who are the current top eight seeds

1. Leinster - 19 points (Q)

2. Exeter - 19 points

3. Toulouse - 18 points

4. Racing 92 - 17 points

5. Ulster - 17 points

6. Clermont Auvergne - 16 points

7. Munster - 11 points

8. Gloucester - 9 points

Make-up for the quarter-finals will be as follows:

Seed 1 v Seed 8 (Quarter-final 1)

Seed 4 v Seed 5 (QF 2)

Seed 3 v Seed 6 (QF 3)

Seed 2 v Seed 7 (QF 4)

Make-up for the semi-finals:

Semi-final 1: Winner QF1 v winner QF 2

Semi-final 2: Winner QF3 v winner QF4