Skip to content

Jonathan Davies: Champions Cup semi-final was emotionally and mentally draining

Jonathan Davies with Nick Abendanon
Image: Celebrating with Nick Abendanon after the game

Sky Sports columnist Jonathan Davies reflects on his team's semi-final win over Saracens in the Champions Cup over the weekend.

What a relief! That was a big week for us. We spent Sunday, Monday and Tuesday in camp together as a team, just to make sure we had clarity and unity ahead of what was likely to be the biggest game of our careers for a lot of us.

We travelled together to the hotel on Thursday which continued that theme so by the time we got to the game there was a good edge and real focus on the job, which I think was reflected in the result.

After Saturday’s game that was one of the most drained I've felt after a match - up there with the way I felt after the Ireland game in Cardiff last month.
Jonathan Davies

The atmosphere when we ran onto the pitch absolutely blew me away. For a club match to be that feverish was an indication of the loyal fan base we have in Clermont and though I always know it’s going to be loud on the day, I’m never quite prepared for what awaits when we come out of the tunnel.

The game itself was a classic semi-final I would say. Nobody wanted to make a mistake and as a result it wasn't as free-flowing as people would possibly have liked. But that's how these things go and a win against a highly talented Saracens team is always welcome. Last year they beat us heavily in the semi-final but there was no talk of revenge in this match. We just wanted a win; it would never have matter to us who was on the other side of the pitch.

Draining

After the Northampton quarter-final people may have expected us to throw the ball around a little more, but the occasion was full of more pressure for starters and, secondly, credit should go to Saracens who ensured that it was a close game from minute one through to eighty

Games like that are mentally and emotionally draining. Physically of course you're tired and you have your recovery period, but sometimes it takes even longer to recover mentally from having to be so switched on for such a long time. After Saturday’s game that was one of the most drained I've felt after a match - up there with the way I felt after the Ireland game in Cardiff last month.

The atmosphere when we ran onto the pitch absolutely blew me away
Image: The atmosphere when we ran onto the pitch absolutely blew me away

We could see the fans didn't want to leave the stadium after the match and to be honest neither did we - it was a special occasion to take part in. One day when I'm an old man and my boots and jerseys are all dusty it will be one of the moments I will remember fondly.

The guys spent a bit of time together in the evening after the game and I think that's important. Of course the temptation after the game is to turn your focus to the final, but at that stage we didn't have any idea who we'd be playing, and it was great to just enjoy the win for what it was.

Not many people get the chance to contest a Champions Cup semi-final, and even less get to win it, so it was rewarding to enjoy the moment before turning our attention to the final.

Help out

Having the opportunity to contest a European final is the main reason I came to Clermont. They are one of the biggest clubs in Europe and I knew there was a chance I’d get an opportunity on the big stage.

However it really is a double-edged sword, as a big club plays host to plenty of big names. There are a host of players who can easily step into a starting berth in any given week, and as a result the competition for places is always feverish.

Live Top 14 Rugby Union

We have an important Top 14 game against Castres this weekend and then the week after will be the final. Of course I’d love to be running out at Twickenham on 2 May but I understand that playing for such a top club means missing out occasionally.

As a squad we have a policy that we always help each other out. Tuesday is our main training session and those that are not going to be involved in the match that weekend have a responsibility to help the team prepare by running as the opposition in training.

It’s always disappointing to be left out of the team but you just put that aside and help whoever it is that’s got your jersey and wait your turn to make an impact. As a player you want to test yourself on the highest stage and in club rugby this is as good as it gets, so every player in the squad is excited about it.

First things first, though, Castres on Saturday!

Around Sky