Use 'Welsh way' to humble French - Jones

Apr 20 2007 Western Mail

DRAGONS bigwigs have received inside information on European semi-final opponents Clermont Auvergne - from Stephen Jones!

The Wales skipper returned to the Scarlets last summer after spending two happy years in the picturesque Massif Centrale with the Michelin money-men.

During the first of his two seasons in Clermont, Jones was voted best No 10 in the French Championship, and is perfectly placed to give tips to underdogs Dragons.

Clermont occupy second place in this campaign's Top 14 in France and will be odds-on favourites to make the most of home advantage at Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin.

So confident are they of success, they have made 11 changes to the side that lost 27-7 at third-place Toulouse in the domestic championship last weekend.

But their strength in depth is apparent with the starting line-up picked by Kiwi coach Vern Cotter still boosting nine internationals, including France wing Aurelien Rougerie, former Italy captain Alessandro Troncon, ex-Cardiff and South Africa centre Grant Esterhuizen, former France star Tony Marsh and Argentine forward grizzler Gonzalo Longo.

More big names are on the bench in the shape of Argentina front-rowers Mario Ledesma and Martin Scelzo, France No 8 Elvis Vermeulen and scrum-half Pierre Mignoni.

Jones advised the Dragons not to play into Clermont's hands by attempting to take them on up front.

The 62-times capped Wales international urged them to adopt hit-and-run tactics, warning, "If they keep it tight, they'll be in for a long afternoon."

Jones advocates the Dragons play the "Welsh way" and attempt to stretch Clermont by moving the ball wide as they attempt to become the first of Wales' regions to reach a European final.

The Gwent region kick off their Challenge Cup showdown 150 minutes before the Scarlets take on Leicester Tigers in the Heineken Cup.

Jones, who will be calling the shots for the Scarlets at the Walkers Stadium, insists Clermont are beatable despite their lofty standing in France.

"I would say the Dragons have got nothing to fear. They have been playing well when they put the ball out wide which is the way they've got to play on Saturday," said the British Lions No 10.

"It's a great place to play and it should be a brilliant game. I'm sure Clermont will cause problems because they haven't lost at home this season. They have got a proud record, but the Dragons have nothing to fear if they go out and play.

"The Dragons will be confident after beating sides like Bristol and Bayonne in Europe."

Jones expects Clermont to look to utilise their fearsome driving maul.

"They've got a big, heavy pack with a couple of Argentines and Georgians in their front row and the Dragons could find it difficult early on in the line-outs and mauls.

"Clermont look to get forward domination. They are a big club and they've got a big squad, which they need to carry them through because of the number of games they play.

"They've recruited well and they've got 10 or 11 different nationalities in their squad. They're having great success, cementing their position in the top four and a place in the play-offs.

"Their backs are good, too. Their captain, Aurelien Rougerie, is a Clermont boy and is such a talent, and their Australian outside-half, Brock James, kicks very well."

Dragons have suffered a major blow with former Wales captain and breakdown specialist Colin Charvis ruled out by an elbow injury.

"Colin will certainly be missed because he's right up there with the best of them in the physical side of the game," said Dragons coach Paul Turner.

"But it gives other players an opportunity to come in and state their case - people like Joe Bearman, who has been out for most of the season.

"He was highly rated before he came here, then he picked up a hip injury, but he's back fit now."

Captain Kevin Morgan insists he's fit to face Clermont after sitting out the agonising 23-22 defeat to leaders Leinster in the Magners League a week ago with a twisted knee.

"We will be going into the game as underdogs, but if we can defend as well as I know we can attack, then anything is possible," said Turner.

Clermont Auvergne: A P clier; A Rougerie (capt), G Esterhuizen, T Marsh, V Delasau; B James, A Troncon; T Domingo, B Miguel, D Zirakashvili, D Barrier, T Privat, M Dieud , G Longo, E Etien. Replacements: M Ledesma, M Scelzo, J Cudmore, E Vermeulen, P Mignoni, R Chanal, A Floch.