Written by @QuintenLetcher for @Hollywoodbets. Follow them both on Twitter and Facebook now!
Saracens vs Clermont Auvergne | Saturday 25 April | Twickenham | 16:40
Only four sides remain from the twenty-four that started back in October last year, and strangely enough it’s the same four that contested the semi-finals last season. Saracens once again host a home semi at Twickenham, although that didn’t prove too fruitful last season where they were picked apart by ruthless Jonny Wilkinson, who claimed all 24 of Toulon’s points with his boot. Saracens were the only side to win away during the quarter-final clashes a few weeks back, going tooth and nail against a resolute Ulster that had, until that point, been the only unbeaten team left in the competition. This week they will enjoy home ground advantage as they welcome last year’s losing finalists to Twickenham, but Clermont will be out looking for their second and final shot at the elusive Heineken Cup title after they narrowly missed out on the glory last season against Toulon.
To Win (80mins)
Saracens 27/20
Clermont 6/10
Draw 22/1
Handicaps
Saracens (+3) 9/10
Clermont (-3) 9/10
Saracens
Saracens made good of a harsh pool draw this season, managing to sneak into the quarters in the last available spot. They managed a gutsy two point victory over Ulster at Ravenhill in the quarters and they seem to be peaking at just the right time, their performance in the Aviva Premiership reiterates this as they have been undefeated in that tournament since early February. The majority of Saracens’ first string players were wisely rested against Newcastle last week and so fatigue shouldn’t play much of a part this Saturday. The forwards will be without Ernst Joubert and George Kruis, but the backline breathes a sigh of relief as pivot Owen Farrell has managed to recover in time from the injury that saw him leaving the field early against Northampton.
Clermont
Clermont won their pool comfortably with five victories from their six clashes, before going on to end the title aspirations of the Leicester Tigers with a 22-16 victory in the quarters. Their performance in the French Top 14 has been less impressive, especially their worrying away record that has left them winless in their last four clashes, most recently against Racing Metro. No major injury concerns for coach Vern Cotter at the moment, so expect to see some explosive stuff from the likes of Wesley Fofana, Morgan Parra, Brock James, Lee Byrne and Napolioni Nalaga.
VERDICT: Clermont (-3) 9/10
Both sides are out looking for their first taste of Heineken Cup glory, but both sides are equally notorious for their lack of big match temperament. Clermont had to lose ten French Championship finals before they finally took the honours in 2010, and were narrowly defeated by Toulon in last year’s Heineken Cup decider. Saracens are yet to venture past the semi-final stages, having come this far on three previous occasions. Clermont have never lost to Saracens in the competition before and if they can keep Owen Farrell away from the posts this weekend they shouldn’t have much trouble keeping that record. Clermont by 5-10.
Think we’ve got it wrong? Well leave your comments below and tell us how you think this is going to play out.
