Monday Round-Up
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Abendanon retains England hope: Nick Abendanon is hoping his excellent form for Clermont Auvergne will tempt Stuart Lancaster to use the special dispensation clause to earn himself an England recall for the Rugby World Cup. Abendanon has had an impressive season with Clermont since leaving Bath last season and had established himself as a starter in the side. Like Steffon Armitage, it would take 'exceptional circumstances' for him to be called up as he ply's his trade outside the Premiership, but based on this season he could warrant a call up. Abendanon has made 2 apperances for England, both coming in 2007.
Champions Cup semi's confirmed: After 4 excellent ties of rugby played over the weekend, the Champions Cup semi-final lineup has been confirmed. After Leinster and Clermont's win on Saturday, first up on Sunday was Racing Metro vs Saracens. In a tight encounter throughout, it took an exceptional last gasp kick from Marcelo Bosch to snatch victory and set up a mouthwatering tie in St Etienne with inform Clermont. Next game of the day was Toulon vs Wasps in what was a colossal task for the Coventry based side, Toulon were too strong and they ran in 32-18 winners to set up a home semi-final with Irish side Leinster. Those ties will take place on the weekend of the 18/19th of April.
Dan Hayes