Beaten slightly but deprived of a defensive bonus point which would have been deserved, the ASM can harbor immense regrets. The Clermontois were able to thwart Leinster, without being rewarded.
What can we blame this Clermont team? Other than not having been able to seize a huge opportunity to strike a blow, not much. ASM came very close to an XXL performance: bringing down Leinster in their lair at the Aviva Stadium. What would have happened if full-back Alex Newsome had been able to control this ball just in front of the Irish try goal line (24e) ? At this point in the game, both teams had each scored once (7-7). “It’s a notable moment of the meeting », admitted manager Christophe Urios after the match. And for good reason. On this lost ball, the Leinstermen engaged in an 80-meter counterattack before the Clermontois made a mistake. Result: penalty quickly played by hand by Gibson-Park for a try by Jordie Barrett bringing the score to 12 to 7… From this moment, only three points will be scored by Leo Cullen’s players. “I think Leinster are happy to have beaten us 15-7 todaysaid Urios, a little smirk which he has the secret to. I wish we were more efficient. I would have liked us to score this try with Alex (Newsome), the match would undoubtedly have been different. Probably Leinster didn’t expect us at this level, especially in terms of physical intensity, because we were able to maintain this intensity throughout the match. »
The Clermont alignment outclassed the Leinstermen
If the ASM competed, it owes it first of all to the quality of its physical commitment. Both in attack and defense, Fritz Lee and his partners consistently won collisions. An intense fight. “It’s a team that is used to dominating, being very strong on the advantage line, and there we shook themconfirmed Urios. We slammed them, even in attack. It’s something we work on all the time at home and that’s positive. » Then, the Clermontois almost humiliated the Leinstermen on the sidelines. Only 56% success in this sector of play for the “Irish”. In this game, Killian Tixeront and Rob Simmonds showed off their knowledge. “We’re going to throw some flowers at each othersmiled the third row. I think we worked well before this meeting with Rob (Simmons) who was making his return and who brought a lot of experience. We were able to thwart them in this sector. » Mild understatement. Even Leo Cullen was left speechless when questioned at a press conference by local journalists.
Leinster relied on its closed scrum in the second half, carried by Rabah Slimani undoubtedly inclined to recall the good memories of his former partners, to maintain their advantage. And deprive the Clermontois of a defensive bonus point which would not have been stolen. On the contrary.
Morocco
