Heineken Cup semi-finalists ASM Clermont Auvergne have found themselves in the grip of a back row problem ahead of their showdown with reigning champions Leinster Rugby in Bordeaux on Sunday, 29 April.
Head coach Vern Cotter was hoping to boost his options ahead of the club's first Heineken Cup semi-final by reintroducing Gerhard Vosloo into the side that entertained Montpellier at Stade Marcel Michelin on Friday night.
But the South African back row man, who hadn't played since 3 March, broke down again and has been ruled out for the rest of the season because of an adductor muscle injury. He will undergo surgery in the next few days.
"Gerhard wanted to test his adductors before our Heineken Cup semi-final and we knew it was make or break for him. Unfortunately it broke," admitted a disappointed Cotter.
To make matters worse for Clermont, Vosloo's replacement, the Portuguese player Julien Bardy, also came off with an injury during the 22-9 victory that took Clermont four points clear at the top of the Top 14 on Friday night. Bardy left the field with an elbow injury, but the extent of the damage won't be known until later over the weekend.
"We were expecting a huge physical challenge against Montpellier and we got it. But our forwards put in a big performance and Brock James dictated matters throughout the game," said French international Julien Malzieu.
"It was great preparation for the Heineken Cup semi-final against Leinster. Montpellier caused us a lot of problems, but we were able to adapt and win the game"
Clermont were held to one try, by hooker Ti Paulo, but James landed a penalty and dropped a goal before Morgan Parra completed the job with three more penalties and a conversion.
