Situated in Massif Central surrounded by dormant volcanoes and vast forestry, Clermont-Ferrand is a small, yet significant industrial hub. The city is enshrouded in history; after all, it’s one of the oldest settlements in France, and its 140’000-strong population exemplifies all that is French; passion and hard work. Chance has it that their hard work contributes to the production of Michelin tyres, the headquarters of which employ every 35th person in the city. Furthermore, it would be safe to bet that a portion of their weekly wage, earned making the rubber doughnuts, is set aside for a coveted ticket to one of the theatres of French club rugby, Stade Marcel Michelin.
This week, clad in yellow from top to tail, thousands of Michelin men will march on another of rugby’s fortresses, as their side takes on Toulon at Twickenham in the European Champions Cup final. As it was two seasons ago when these teams last contested the title, it will be a close affair; racked with nerves, but glazed with typical French quality.
Clermont’s loyal supporters have never witnessed their side crowned kings of Europe; thus far all they have to show for in Europe are runners-up medals and agonising semi-final knockouts. They have always been there or thereabouts. Some brand them as ‘the best team that has never won.’ Unfortunately, it is true.
This season, their prospects appear somewhat rosier. On their journey to Twickenham, they ran rings around Northampton and squeezed Saracens slowly in a cold service of revenge. At the epicentre of their performances was Nick Abendanon. Having scored three tries this campaign, and thanks to his carefree, penetrative counter-attacking, the former Bath fullback has become a heartthrob of the Clermont faithful. Wales centre Jonathon Davies has formed a daunting partnership with Wesley Fofana, and they will be flanked by powerful wingers Noa Nakaitaci and Napalioni Nalaga – a sheer opponent for Toulon. Their forwards made mincemeat of Saracens’ ‘wolfpack’ in the semi-final, and will look to replicate that again on Saturday.
Toulon, unfortunately, will not be bored of winning European titles, even though they are bidding for their third consecutive victory, a feat which is as yet unachieved. They face not only the history-makers but the rib-breakers – Toulon are renowned for their relentlessness; their style of play could be likened to an ocean’s pounding of a cliff face. It’s all formulated on big ball carriers, such as Mathieu Bastareaud, Steffon Armitage and Chris Masoe, as well as an in-your-face defence that leaves you no time to even breathe. For Clermont to win, they’ll need to start powerfully and at high intensity to suppress Toulon and quieten their equally raucous fans.
The task can be achieved if Clermont dwell on their industrial past. Michelin promise ‘High performance, time after time’ in advertising for their product. Such consistency is of paramount importance to be considered great. The rugby side are determined to disprove their ability to choke time after time, and deliver as sound a performance as their very own manufactured tyres.
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