Shoey relishes French test

 

By Mark Stevens

Jason Shoemark believes there is no greater challenge in European rugby that the one which the Exeter Chiefs will face this weekend.

The Aviva Premiership club head across the English Channel this Friday to prepare for their clash with unbeaten Pool 5 leaders Clermont Auvergne in this season's Heineken Cup.

Unbeaten on home soil for 53 games, the French club have been the stand-out team in this competition, including claiming back-to-back victories against reigning champions Leinster last month.

Now, it's the turn of Rob Baxter's side to try and upset the apple cart at the daunting Stade Marcel Michelin on Saturday (7pm CET). It will, however, be no easy task and Kiwi centre Jason Shoemark knows as much.

"We've been stepping up for the last few years, but there is no greater challenge in Europe than this one," said Shoemark, who is now into his third season with the Chiefs. "For us it's another chance to prove ourselves in the competition against a very good side.

"We're all excited about the game, simply because you don't get too many opportunities to play against a side like Clermont and feel that big-game atmosphere. I've heard a lot already from a few of the guys about the place, they say it's unreal over there, so hopefully we go there and enjoy the whole experience and put in a big performance."

Clermont showed back in October just what a force they are, producing a stunning second half display at Sandy Park to run out 46-12 victors, this after the two sides were locked at 12 apiece at the interval.

"We were in for 50, 60 minutes over here, but then they stepped it up a level," added Shoemark. "We know this time we'll need to play for the whole 80 minutes if we want to get something from the game. Hopefully we can a few early scores and put some pressure on them, but it will be tough just because they are such a great team."

With opportunities likely to be at a premium for the Chiefs, Shoemark says the visitors have discussed their recent form and how they go about turning possession and territory into points.

"I don't think we're too far away," said the former Highlanders star. "We've been playing some good rugby, but at the same time we know Clermont will not give us too many opportunities. It will be up to us to try and take the one or two that we get and look to put them under pressure.

"French sides we know are always very flamboyant and if they get their tails up they will take you apart, so it's important we're on our game and put a bit of pressure in their heads. As a player these are the kind of tests you relish. You want to test yourself against the best and that's what Clermont are. They have so many top quality players and it will be a massive challenge for sure, but that's what we like here and we'll go over there, give it our best shot, and look to have some fun."