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Clermont claim they were duped by Saracens
By Jack Davies
Clermont Auvergne have hit out at the "absurd" situation surrounding their postponed European Champions Cup clash with Saracens at Allianz Park.
Last season's two finalists were due to meet in London on Sunday but the match was called off due to snow.
The fixture kicked off at 17:30 local time today (Monday), although Clermont allege that 14:00 had earlier been settled upon for the rescheduled kick-off, describing the saga as an "episode of amateurism".
Monday's clash had also originally been billed as "behind closed doors", before Saracens announced that fans would once again be welcome at the stadium.
"Our sports staff and players are deeply affected by the lack of interest in their supporters throughout this weekend and will try to find an additional source of motivation in the upcoming game," read a statement from Clermont.
Saracens beat Clermont 28-17 in the final and hold a one-point advantage over the Top 14 side in Pool 2 after two fixtures.
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Latest Comments
Yet Ethan Blackadder was one of our best against the World Champion Springbok. When he came back to the Crusaders later in the season , he made a huge difference, ( a long with others like Codie Taylor), we nearly made the Play Off's. Ethan has plenty of rugby left in him. His family , Dad Todd Blackadder must be very [proud of him. Todd Blackadder was a 3 time champion captain of the Crusaders, '98, '99 and 2000.An icon in this area. Also twice captain of Canterbury , '97 and 2001 when we won the NPC and Ranfurly Shield winning captain in 2000.
Go to commentsIt's the same criticism of Dmac and Mo'unga as well. Sadly the way the game has been heading recently it's the only way to break down a defence, and a player of Lawrences nature would have a very limited chance at doing that because he's too one dimensional.
Noah Lolesio is your sort of player and that worked OK, but only because his team is far more creative than Englands for example. The highly organized Irish attack was also another that didn't require much from the 10, but that is now changing with Prendergast who is in that league mold like the most new age 10's.
So it is in fact your two which would require even more change to make the most of than Marcus Smith.
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