News

Audebert: Don`t write Clermont off yet

Monday 13th October 2008

Steep mountain: Clermont facing a tough task

Clermont Auvergne flanker Alexandre Audebert believes his team have the quality to recover from their opening-day loss to Sale and qualify from arguably the Heineken Cup's 'Pool of Death'.

The French heavyweights were convincingly beaten on Saturday by a bonus-point 32-15 deficit as the Sharks stunned Europe and will probably need to win their remaining five group games if they are to reach the last eight.

That would mean winning at Edgeley Park and doing the double over reigning champions Munster, which Audebert believes is still a possibility with their squad quality.

"Clearly it makes it a bit sticky for us but we must forget about this first result and continue to play," said the back-row forward.

"I honestly believe we are capable of winning at Sale or Munster. We will have to push ourselves but the squad has to do whatever it takes.

"These two matches don't scare me."

Sale's relentless work-rate and opportunistic finishing proved the difference between the two sides at Stade Marcel-Michelin last weekend.

They even scored four tries to grab five points, making it a successful return for coach Philippe Saint-Andre, the former France back who starred for the then Montferrand during his club career.

Despite Sale's efforts, Clermont put in an error-ridden performance and coach Vern Cotter, whose side take on Montauban away this weekend, admits a dramatic improvement needs to be seen.

"It's tricky now - we are going to have to beat Sale and Munster to qualify," said the New Zealander, whose team also failed to make it out of their Heineken Cup group last season.

"But we are going to talk about it as a squad, that is the most important thing. We are going to have to progress on a technical, physical and tactical level, to make fewer mistakes and to improve our professionalism.

"We must also play with more pride. Because we do this job for that reason, to be the best."