Clermont lock horns with Munster in massive Round 2 clash

As Munster and Clermont sharpen their swords for what should be a great clash, the French side will take comfort from the fact that the rivalry’s history is tilted in their favour with five victories from seven encounters against their Irish foes.

The match kicks off on Saturday evening at the famous Stade Marcel Michelin – an intimidating prospect for Johann van Graan’s charges as Clermont hold an astonishing record of 31 victories from their last 32 games, rendering their home ground a fortress of some significance.

However, it has been a while since the teams have met, the last game between them taking place just over six years ago, in December 2014.

In Round 1, Clermont ran in 51 points to beat Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate in a game Pat Lam’s men were actually expected to take. Clermont dotted down seven times (including a hat-trick by Kotaro Mutsushima) but may be slightly concerned about the fact that they leaked five tries which gave Bristol their total of 38 points.

Munster also kicked their campaign off with a win – against Harlequins at Thomnd Park. The game was played in a poor spirit with Harlequins neglecting their discipline which, ultimately, cost Munster the services of their talented young fly-half Ben Healy after a number of late hits saw him leave the pitch. The Irishmen stuck to their guns, however, and pushed through to post a 21-7 victory. Healy, unfortunately, will play no part in this weekend's events.

Here follows a look at the history between Munster and Clermont in the Champions Cup:

With Munster top of their conference in the Pro14 after 7 wins from as many outings, their confidence will be on a high going into this one.

Clermont currently find themselves in fourth spot of the Top 14 with six victories to their name after 9 outings. Having history on their side will only count for so much as they face a rampant Munster unit hungry for another victory.

Whatever the result, the game is sure to be a celebration of one of the finest rivalries the competition has to offer.