Preview: Ospreys vs Clermont Auvernge
- 2555
Preview: Ospreys vs Clermont Auvernge
A crunch match in Pool 2 awaits as Ospreys take on pool leaders Clermont Auvernge in Swansea tonight.
The last time these 2 met it was an absolute cracker with the score at 34-29 to Clermont. Ospreys scored 2 tries in 2 minutes to secure a losing BP and a try BP with some lovely rugby played.
Steve Tandy's side suffered a defeat at home last week when inform Leinster came into town, Ospreys must improve on the 22-9 defeat if they are to beat Clermont.
Ospreys welcome back Justin Tipuric into the starting XV as one of 4 changes to the side that lost at Leinster.
Captain Alun Wyn Jones is back for the home side at lock, while in the backs winger Eli Walker and centre Josh Matavesi come into the side.
The away side come into this one off an important win in Bordeaux but failed to claim a BP.
Clermont have made 5 changes to their side that won at Bordeaux last Friday.
Scott Spedding comes in at full back for European player of the year Nick Abendanon, in the only change in the backs.
Benjamin Kayser comes in at hooker and Loic Jacquet comes into lock to replace Paul Hedrasiak.
Fritz Lee will start at number eight, meaning Damien Chouly will move to blind-side flanker and Alexandre Lapandry dropping out.
With a win tonight, Clermont can effectively wrap the pool up and knock Ospreys out of the competition.
But a win for Ospreys puts them top of the group and on the brink of qualification, so Pool 2 should take some structure tonight.
Whatever happens it should be a very interesting night in Wales.
Referee: Wayne Barnes
Prediction: Clermont. Expect the French side to win the game in the second half and put them on the brink of qualification.
