Leinster Begin Countdown To Clermont Auvergne Clash
Preparations are underway for Leinster’s Heineken Cup Pool 2 trip to Stade Marcel Michelin on Sunday (kick-off 4pm Irish time/3pm Irish time) to face Clermont Auvergne.
Isaac Boss, Jason Harris-Wright, Cian Healy and Jamie Heaslip are all in contention for selection after missing Leinster’s 17-17 Magners League draw with the Scarlets last Friday.
Aside from the usual bumps and bruises, there are no fresh injury concerns with the team expected to be announced on Friday afternoon.
Brian O’Driscoll’s jaw injury is being monitored on an ongoing basis and a decision on his availability will also be made on Friday.
O’Driscoll sustained the injury during Ireland’s 29-9 win over Argentina at the Aviva Stadium last week, and it appears to be not as bad as first feared.
Leinster won their opening two Heineken Cup clashes in October against Racing Metro 92 and Saracens and lie top of Pool 2.
Speaking ahead of the trip back to Clermont Auvergne, the club he coached at between 2007 and 2010, Leinster head coach Joe Schmidt said: “I am viewing it as probably a cold December day in a cauldron and I know we are going to get a really hot reception on the field.
“We are going to have a real battle to try and keep our heads above water.
“Hopefully, we can get something out of the game and take some confidence into the second leg.”
In excess of 500 supporters are set to make the trip to France this weekend from around Europe. Ticket sales for the return fixture at the Aviva Stadium are approaching the 38,000 mark.