Fritz Lee hopes for 2015 repeat against Munster
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Clermont loose forward Fritz Lee hopes his side can repeat their 2015 heroics with another victory over Munster this weekend.
Clermont and Munster have met on seven occasions in the competition's history with Clermont winning five of those matches (L2), including the last three in a row.
The two sides faced off during the pool stages of the 2014/15 season and recorded a 16-9 victory away at Thomond Park and 26-19 victory in Clermont.
Lee highlighted Munster’s pedigree ahead of their clash this weekend and the difficulty of the task Clermont will face when they take on the two-time champions.
“I think, obviously, it’s not an easy challenge to go over there and play Munster,” he admitted.
“Munster is a very quality team as well; they always do well in the European Cup, so it’s a massive challenge for us.”
“But I think that at the same time, we’re going to be very excited to go over there and hopefully repeat what we did before in previous years that we did,” Lee stated.
“And, you know, it’s not going to be easy, but I think it’s achievable to go to Munster and repeat what we did in 2015.
“The quality of players that we have, I think we are a well-experienced team now to hopefully go through the pool stage, and hopefully go all the way.”
Lee has played 44 matches in European competition, but it is his clashes with Munster that have been the pick of the bunch.
“I think when I think about all the games I’ve played in European [rugby], but it’s probably Munster that sticks out for me,” he revealed.
“I think there is some bias because we’re probably the best team from France that beat Munster in Thomond Park, and it was a hell of a game.”
Lee recalled the intense pressure Clermont were under in that match, particularly in the closing moments as Munster went searching for a converted try to level the scores.
“That (the final five minutes), for us, is a do or die at that stage because if we lost that game, it would be very hard for us to come back and try to make the quarters after that.
“And I’m sure Munster were in the same boat as well. So, I think, for me personally, it’s the game against Munster I think that always sticks out.
“But every European Cup game is a special game as well.”
