On Saturday, December 28, 2024, the ASM Clermont Auvergne will host Montpellier Hérault Rugby at the Stade Marcel Michelin for the 13th round of the Top 14, with kickoff set for 6 PM. This match not only marks the final encounter of the year but is also pivotal as both teams eye their spots within the playoff standings.
The current form of both teams paints contrasting pictures. Despite suffering a loss to La Rochelle (20-15) the previous week, Clermont remains buoyant and holds the fifth spot on the league table with 33 points, thanks to seven victories against five defeats. The team has shown formidable home advantage with no losses on their turf this season, which includes nine consecutive home victories.
Meanwhile, Montpellier, currently sitting eighth with 25 points, has found it challenging on the road as they seek to improve with only one away victory since the start of the season. Before facing the Clermontois, they clutch onto recent home success against Racing 92 (21-17), but their away form could prove troublesome as they strive to redeem themselves and push for higher-ranked positions.
The last encounter between these two teams was on the final day of the previous Top 14 season, where Clermont dominated Montpellier, winning decisively 52-15. This previous performance will linger as motivation for both teams, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying match this Saturday.
Fans can catch every exhilarating moment through live coverage on Canal+ and France Bleu Pays d'Auvergne, showcasing the match from 5:45 PM, complete with pre-game analysis and commentary.
Adding excitement to the day, the club has also made headlines off the field by announcing the contract extension of captain Marcos Kremer, who will remain with Clermont until June 2028. This move solidifies the club's strategy as Kremer has become integral to the team's identity since his arrival in the summer of 2023.
Head coach Christophe Urios expressed his delight at securing Kremer, noting his pivotal role within the squad: "Marcos is the first player I put on my list when I make team selections. He embodies our values and proves indispensable, both for his defensive prowess and leadership. He’s demanding of himself and challenges the entire group."
The announcement of Kremer's extension, seen as a Christmas gift for die-hard supporters of ASM, demonstrates the club’s commitment to maintaining a strong core as they look to improve on their current standing. Having represented Argentina 73 times at just 27 years of age, Kremer is positioning himself as not just a leader on the pitch but also as a beacon for future ambitions within the club.
President Jean-Claude Pats emphasized this sentiment, stating, "We're genuinely thrilled to count on him as we build our project, which we believe he’ll play a significant role. With his extension, we aim to send out the right message for our future: Clermont is making its mark once again!"
After this match, the focus will shift to additional player negotiations as the club considers future extensions for others, including Folau Fainga’a, Alexandre Fischer, Fritz Lee, Anthony Belleau, and Bautista Delguy. The recent contract renewals of players like Rob Simmons and Thibaud Lanen reflect the upward trend of the club's ambitions.
With the expectations high for both the match against Montpellier and the future framework for the team, fans can look forward to an incredible encounter, known as "Boxing Day" match, where the combination of riveting rugby and pivotal player news intertwines.
Clermont's determination to stay competitive this season resonates well with both the players and their passionate crowd, as they aim to solidify their playoff position and maintain momentum going forward. Will the home advantage prevail, and can Kremer lead his team to victory over Montpellier? Only time will tell as match day draws near.
