If the Toulon pack allied to Jonny’s boot get their way then this final will be more of the same. Why do we think of French rugby as being so imaginative and instinctive these days? Years of Heineken Cup rugby has shown that although French teams still occasionally have some flair, they revert to forward power alone when the pressure is on.

That is why I am supporting Clermont in this match. Without doubt, they have played the finest rugby this season, which includes the Six Nations. Despite a wobble in the semis against Munster they have played ambitious attacking rugby from the start and deserve to take the trophy for the first time in their history.

Outstanding

The fact that their back three have been their most frequent and effective threat underlines their philosophy and at the heart of that threesome is Wales’ Lee Byrne who has been outstanding.

The fact that Byrne has not been selected for Wales this year only emphasises firstly how magnificent Halfpenny has been and secondly that when Gatland and his coaching team decide that a player no longer fits their plans he is removed from the picture.

Liam Williams is a fine player who may have a distinguished future, but he would not make Clermont’s starting line-up ahead of Byrne.

Traits

Other players such as Peel and Hook have equally not impressed despite playing good rugby, but once the decision is made it seems hard for them to fight their way back.

I don’t think there is anything vindictive in their omission. Indeed I think that there are traits that only coaches that work with players can appreciate. After all, Gatland has delivered astounding success which has been based on the players he has chosen and the style he has adopted. He has more than earned the right to select whoever he wishes.

Which is why I was so puzzled to see Dylan Hartley included in the Lions party. Gatland has made some pointed personal comments about the hooker and yet the Englishman (of sorts) goes ahead of Rory Best.

But I am loathe to criticise, because more often than not, Warren knows best.

Gwyn Jones is part of the commentary team for S4C’s Heineken Cup highlights programme on Saturday at 10.00pm. Earlier at 6.45pm, S4C will have live coverage of the Principality Premiership Play-off Final between Pontypridd and Llanelli.

The Principality Premiership play-off final between Pontypridd and a still to be decided West Wales team will be shown live on S4C on Saturday evening 18 May, with the kick-off at 7.00pm.

Sarra Elgan will present Rygbi: Rownd Derfynol Cynghrair y Principality with Derwyn Jones in the studio and Rhodri Gomer Davies reporting from the touchline.

The semi final play-off between Llanelli and Llandovery will be played a week earlier. This game will determine which of the two West Wales teams meets Pontypridd at Sardis Road in the final.

Last year’s play-off final was between Pontypridd and Llanelli with Ponty winning. Pontypridd also finished the season on top of the Principality Premiership this season with 96 points – 23 points clear of Llandovery in the second spot. They also won the Swalec Cup earlier this month after beating Neath.

On paper, therefore, Pontypridd are the favourites to win again on Saturday. “But in a one-off game of this importance anything can happen,” said Rhodri Gomer Davies.

Llandovery was Rhodri’s first club as a player more than ten years ago before he moved to play for Northampton, the Dragons and the Scarlets. “Llanelli have a talented young team and they’re inclined to bring in some young Scarlets players for major matches,” said Rhodri. “But perhaps the danger is that the team members won’t be used to playing together and it’s possible, therefore, that Llandovery will be more experienced at playing as a team.

“Llandovery have developed well in the last two to three years with some impressive young players like scrum half, Rhodri Williams, full back, Lee Rees as well as experienced campaigners like hooker Adam Yelland and prop Andrew Jones.

“The Principality Premiership is vitally important for the development of the game in Wales,” said Rhodri. “With so many young players coming through the WRU Academy, standards are improving and the Principality Premiership provides an opportunity for the talents to be displayed.”

On a full weekend of big rugby deciders, S4C will be showing highlights of the Heineken Cup Final also on Saturday in Cwpan Heineken, presented by Gareth Roberts. The Heineken Cup Final in Dublin will be an all-French affair between Clermont and Toulon.