The French side will be determined to make amends for the 19-15 defeat to Leinster in last year's semi-final in Bordeaux which cost them a place in the final at Twickenham.

This clash does bring the best attacking side in the competition so far - Clermont - and the best defensive side - Leinster - together but something will have to give this weekend.

Clermont have already scored a dozen tries in their two comprehensive victories over the Scarlets and Exeter Chiefs and lead the Pool by two points ahead of the Irish club.

Leinster have managed only one try in their previous two games but their impressive defence has also seen them only concede a solitary try and they still have Clermont very much in their sights.

Fly-half Jonathan Sexton, back from Test duty with Ireland, will know the aristocrats of Irish rugby will have to rediscover the form which saw them lift the trophy last season after two narrow and unconvincing wins over the Scarlets and Exeter.

Leinster have certainly had the better of Clermont in the six games between the two sides, with the Irish side winning five of the six games. Clermont have lost the last two games against Leinster.

Match Facts
• The French team average the most carries and have gained the most ground per match so far, racking up 134 carries per match at a gain of 645 metres.
• Conversely, the best attack in the competition meets the best defence as Leinster have missed only eight tackles in 160 minutes of rugby so far. They have completed 97% of attempted tackles.
• Clermont's Damien Chouly has made a competition high 33 carries so far this season.
• If Gordon D'Arcy plays, he will make his 88th appearance in the Heineken Cup and will move ahead of Shane Horgan as the Leinster player with the most tournament appearances.