European Rugby Champions Cup: Clermont Auvergne v Munster preview

After claiming a piece of European history in Limerick, Clermont will look to assert their authority on Champions Cup Pool One when they host Munster at the Marcel Michelin on Sunday.

Frank Azema’s Vulcans, viewed by many as one of the greatest sides not to have to won a continental title, became the first French side to beat Munster at Thomond Park, and only the third to prevail in Limerick in European rugby last weekend.

Thomond Park has staged some classic continental encounters over the years and Saturday’s showdown proved to be another historic clash as Clermont’s 16-9 triumph saw them claim a slice of history and deny Munster the opportunity to become the first side to chalk up a century of wins in European competition.

Clermont No 8 Fritz Lee, arguably the standout player of Round Three, crashed over the whitewash within 90 seconds of kick-off in Limerick and France centre Wesley Fofana also crossed in the first quarter as the visitors amassed a lead they would never surrender.

Munster’s never-say-never spirited endured but uncharacteristic pitfalls – epitomised by Paul O’Connell being stripped of the ball at the line-out in overtime – proved to their downfall and victory is a must for Anthony Foley’s side if they are to remain in contention.

Victory saw Clermont storm to the summit of Pool One – dubbed the ‘Pool of Death’ at the draw – with a one-point advantage of Munster and Saracens, who have the home advantage in their clash against Sale Sharks on Saturday.

After suffering a first home defeat to the French outfit last Saturday Anthony Foley makes four changes to the starting line-up for the return fixture.

In the pack, John Ryan is the only change as he comes in for the injured Dave Kilcoyne and James Cronin to make his first start in Europe.

New midfield

Foley introduces a new midfield partnership with JJ Hanrahan starting at 12 and the returning Andrew Smith named outside him.

With injury ruling Gerhard van den Heever out Andrew Conway returns to take his position on the wing.

Likewise, Clermont have made four changes, with Azema rotating two in the pack and the backline.

Napolioni Nalaga is replaced by Zac Guildford on the left wing; he will join former Bath full-back Nick Abendanon and Noa Nakaitaci in the back three, while Aurelien Rougerie and Wesley Fofana resume their centre pairing.

Morgan Parra comes back into the starting XV at scrum-half, with Ludovic Radosavljevic reduced to the bench, and Camille Lopez retains the No 10 jersey.

Clement Ric is replaced by prop Davit Zirakashvili, who joins Benjamin Kayser and Thomas Domingo in the front row, with Jamie Cudmore and Sebastien Vahaamahina completing the front five.

Azema’s final change sees Julien Bonnaire dropped from the matchday squad as Alexandre Lapandry comes in at No 7, joining captain Damien Chouly and last weekend’s man of the match Fritz Lee in the back row.

Clermont Auvergne: 15 Nick Abendanon; 14 Noa Nakaitaci, 13 Aurélien Rougerie, 12 Wesley Fofana, 11 Zac Guildford; 10 Camille Lopez, 9 Morgan Parra; 1 Thomas Domingo, 2 Benjamin Kayser, 3 Davit Zirakashvili, 4 Jamie Cudmore, 5 Sébastien Vahaamahina, 6 Damien Chouly (capt), 7 Alexandre Lapandry, 8 Fritz Lee
Replacements: 16 John Ulugia, 17 Raphael Chaume, 18 Clément Ric, 19 Julien Pierre, 20 Julien Bardy, 21 Ludovic Radoslavjevic , 22 Brock James, 23 Benson Stanley

Munster: 15 Felix Jones; 14 Andrew Conway, 13 Andrew Smith, 12 JJ Hanrahan, 11 Simon Zebo; 10 Ian Keatley, 9 Conor Murray; 1 John Ryan, 2 Duncan Casey, 3 BJ Botha; 4 Dave Foley, 5 Paul O'Connell; 6 Peter O'Mahony (capt), 7 Tommy O'Donnell, 8 CJ Stander
Replacements: 16 Kevin O'Byrne, 17 Eusebio Guinazu, 18 Stephen Archer, 19 Billy Holland, 20 Robin Copeland, 21 Duncan Williams, 22 Denis Hurley, 23 Johne Murphy

Watch Clermont Auvergne v Munster live on Sky Sports 2HD from 3pm on Sunday