CA Brive - ASM Clermont Auvargne

Rugby

Brive has not won since October 1. It is clearly THE must-win game to maintain the hope..

Brive does not have too many absentees in key positions, especially in front. Hirèche has done a world of good since his return, the first line managers will be there. Brive didn't really play the two Challenge Cup matches to prepare for this meeting.

For its part, Clermont will have several important absentees in front of this meeting. Cancoriet, Dessaigne, Jedrasiak, but especially Vahaamahina, Van Tonder, and Itturia. The latter are preponderant players to gain meters, and in line-out.

Clermont is having a rather bad season, but a defeat here would not be catastrophic either in accounting terms, given the calendar and the meetings during this boxing day.

The importance of the meeting is not the same for the two clubs, knowing that Clermont will receive Stade Toulousain in a week.

Although Amedee Domenech is no longer the fortress of yesteryear, the stadium will be full for this must win.