Defending Heineken Cup champions Leinster head to the fortress that is Marcel Michelin to renew their rivalry with Clermont on Sunday.
Les Jaunards are undefeated in 50 games in all competitions at Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin but Leinster have won three of the last four clashes between the sides - including last season's semi-final triumph - and bagged a precious bonus point on their last visit to Volcano country.
It was against Clermont two seasons ago when Leinster suffered their last defeat in the competition. Since then they have won 16 and drawn one.
After resting a number of first-choice players for last week's Top 14 clash with Toulouse, Clermont have recalled all their big guns (with the exception of Thomas Domingo, who is injured).
"Our pack is okay but we've got to rival what's coming at us," Clermont lock Jamie Cudmore told independent.ie.
"We had a little hiccup with that performance against Toulouse - it was one of our worst this season so I think that will help get us right for Sunday. We always play better with a bit of fear in the guts."
The game will also pit Clermont coach Vern Cotter against former cohort and current Leinster boss Joe Schmidt.
"Qualifying from the pool will depend on this double header," said Cotter.
"They, as we have done, have long marked this date in the calendar. My players are very excited, focused and motivated."
Leinster back Fergus McFadden made no bones about how important this clash is.
"It's all about us this week. We know Clermont really well," he said.
"So does Joe. It's a massive challenge. We know we're underdogs. Historically so far this year they have been playing better rugby and scoring more tries. They've maximum points in Europe so it couldn't be a bigger challenge.
"Collectively we haven't put a complete performance together, which has been frustrating. We put a very good 40 against Cardiff before we broke for international duty and then died off early in the second half. Exeter and Llanelli were mixed. Exeter was a bit of a slog-fest and Llanelli was some good in the first half and again we just didn't really play for the full 80."
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