Steffon Armitage and Nick Abendanon prepare for final audition

The European Champions Cup final today brings an almighty clash between two
giant clubs from France and a very familiar subplot.

Toulon versus Clermont
Auvergne is also the last serious occasion in which Steffon Armitage, the
Toulon flanker, can shine before the England selectors.



Indeed, Mourad Boudjellal, the Toulon president, described this cup final as
“the first game of the World Cup” for Armitage yesterday.



The same could be said of the man playing full back for Clermont, Nick
Abendanon, whose performances have also won him consideration for national
selection.

Abendanon…