Friday 13 April 2012

Sivivatu eyes Heineken Cup Glory

Fiji-born New Zealand international, Sitiveni Sivivatu, is looking forward to continuing his good form for Clermont Auvergne, when the French side take on defending champions, Leinster, in the last four of the Heineken Cup in Bordeaux.

The 29-year-old has happy memories of his last semi-final appearance, when he helped the Waikato Chiefs reach their first Super 14 final with a 14-10 victory over the Hurricanes, in 2009.

Clermont knocked out the last English club left in the competition, Saracens, at the quarterfinal stage, and Sivivatu sees no reason why they cannot go on and win the Heineken Cup. The French team are currently second-favourites for the title in Heineken Cup betting.

Sivivatu, who scored 29 tries in 45 Tests for the All Blacks, said: "I'm enjoying my time playing with the French boys, and I’m excited about what is happening to us this season; the players are certainly very determined.

"I came to Clermont for the rugby experience, life experience, and to enjoy a different perspective. I had been in New Zealand since I was 17, and Europe is a great place to be."

Meanwhile, Australian outside-half, Brock James, who scored 17 points against Saracens, will be keen to erase the memory of his disastrous kicking in the 2010 quarter-final against Leinster in Dublin.

Leinster edged that encounter 29-28, thanks largely to the immaculate kicking of Jonathan Sexton, who was successful with seven of his eight attempts on goal.

It was a particularly tough result for Clermont wing, Julien Malzieu, to take, as he grabbed a hat-trick of tries in the game. However, the fly-half, James, managed to miss three drop goals, two in the closing moments, as well as four penalties and a conversion.

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