Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Julien Malzieu hat-trick and big charges against Leinster
It was a great weekend of European Cup rugby as every match served up thoroughly enjoyable dishes packed with all the passion, tension, and finesse that weve come to expect from the knock out rounds of the big comps.
Both Leinster and Biarritz snuck home after last play of the match dropgoals went wide. Clermont and Ospreys respectively will be kicking themselves (and the ref in some cases), none more so than the French side who were in a position to win the match following multiple penalty opportunities and a hat-trick of tries from wing Malzieu.
He not only finished well, but was influential around the park with his big carries, putting opposition flyhalf Jonny Sexton on his behind on two occasions. Unfortunately for Clermont, Sexton wasnt fazed by that type of thing and held his nerve in what was ultimately a mature performance that showed great temperament.
There have been a few requests from fans wanting to see Malzieus big runs again though, so here they are, with his hat-trick thrown in for good measure. Theres also a nice charge from Rougerie, and it must be said, a great chip by James for that first try.
Time: 2:48
Posted at 3:58 pm | 26 comments
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Viewing 26 comments
Kenny April 13, 2010 2:36 pm

Canadian Content April 13, 2010 2:52 pm

Usually stronger defence from Sexton, but then again, give big Malzieu some credit.
Thomas April 13, 2010 2:56 pm

Nevertheless Malzieu was brilliant and should have been named man of the match. He was everywhere, it tooke three of Leinster's man to tackle and even than he slipped away a couple of times. Great player and that just shows that France have a ridiculous large amount of quality wingers when a guy like hime is not a regular starter for them.
Alain April 13, 2010 2:58 pm

Pulse April 13, 2010 3:29 pm

Flooz April 13, 2010 3:33 pm

But their efforts weren't granted..
Looking back munster and toulouse performances, u understand why they are the 2 top Hcup clubs of the history. They are teams with a lot of good players ok, but they know when and where they can kill any team during a match
That said, i really wish to see Clermont next year. Vern cotter does great job despite their last decepetions in top 14
Anonymous April 13, 2010 3:51 pm

Mike April 13, 2010 4:11 pm

Brilliant stuff from Malzieu though.
sebastian April 13, 2010 4:24 pm

Bradders April 13, 2010 4:57 pm

Kearney is good but i think a bit over-rated after only a few standout performances.
Anonymous April 13, 2010 5:09 pm

If it was last season, I wouldn't say he was overrated. He played almost game perfectly. This season, he's been pretty standard with many more mistakes. He does seem to be getting back into form though.
rodofle April 13, 2010 6:03 pm

And what is funny with Malzieu is that he looks pretty skinny but he's really powerful, where the hell does he hide his muscles????
Toulouse16 April 13, 2010 7:01 pm

Brilliant game and outstanding wingers! Clermont just deserved to win. What a pity for them once again.
Anonymous April 13, 2010 7:50 pm

T
themull April 13, 2010 10:13 pm

(u-p)rick April 13, 2010 10:16 pm

as for sexton....shouldnt we all ask ourselves why Ronan O'Gara has been recruited to teach sexton how to tackle?!? i mean really?!
But all credit to the Malzieu great effort and very well finished!!!
Anonymous April 13, 2010 11:06 pm

he had a good run of form during 2009 for a while but a really great player is consistent and maintains his form. Kearney hasn't and he's been shown up as not very physical a few times since.
Can't handle the big fellas.
pluto April 14, 2010 3:50 am

I agree with some anonymous way up there, that Kearney did seem off this season (compared to last season, though...which is pretty hard to follow), but has been getting back on form, it seems.
Anyone know when Fitzgerald is set to come back?
Anonymous April 14, 2010 6:57 am

Kearney is just one of them, and it means, while he has other strengths, that is one of his weaknesses.
He's still a good player, a good fullback to have in your team.
It's jsut that base don the form he showed in South Africa, he looked like he might develop into one of the best fullbacks in the world.
Sadly, based on his form and impact since, he's just an above average player, not a world beater.
I could be proven wrong of course, if he picks up his game.
Anonymous April 14, 2010 6:57 am

Ulf April 14, 2010 9:45 am

But he can not always express himself on the pitch and has to become more regular.
Let's hope he'll carry on cause he's sort of unique : strong yet not heavy, quick but tall, with a great sense off attacking : he's the kind of guy that makes the opposite team ask herself "what is going to happen ?"
















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