Scotland international Magnus Bradbury will also be vital for Bristol in the battle for the breakdown, as might be exciting young Englishman Fitz Harding. The tussle between the back-rows will be another key area, with Bristol led by influential captain Steven Luatua, a 15-time New Zealand international. However, Samoa lock Chris Vui, who also has a Challenge Cup title to his name, will pose Jedrasiak a significant challenge – he was an ever-present in Bristol’s starting XV over the course of this season’s pool stage. That duo can cause any team problems in the scrum and in the loose, but Clermont also have talented props at their disposal, including Rabah Slimani and Étienne Falgoux, who are both vastly experienced and capped by France.Ĭlermont lock Paul Jedrasiak is set to return from a calf injury in time for the trip to Bristol, and his presence will be a huge lift for the TOP 14 outfit – he has been at the club since 2013 and was part of the Challenge Cup-winning side in 2019. There are fascinating battles across the park, beginning in the front row where Bristol have England international powerhouses Ellis Genge and Kyle Sinckler. The two teams boast Heineken Champions Cup-standard squads, with a plethora of internationals set to line up at Ashton Gate. □ A reminder that this fixture is □□□ included in your Season Ticket. Meanwhile, Bristol, who secured home advantage in the Round of 16 with four straight wins in EPCR Challenge Cup Pool A, got their hands on the trophy in 2020, their maiden EPCR title.īoth sides will see this season’s EPCR Challenge Cup as a terrific opportunity for more silverware and it’s set to be an enthralling duel under the Friday night lights at the end of the month. Clermont, who dropped out of the Heineken Champions Cup after finishing ninth in Pool B, have lifted the Challenge Cup on three occasions – in 1999, 20 – making them the joint-most successful team in the competition’s history.
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