Pienaar primed for Clermont clash
The Belfast side ended a run of two consecutive defeats with a 35-22 triumph at Cardiff Blues on Saturday. Pool Five front-runners Clermont will descend on the Kingspan Stadium this weekend in the first of two back-to-back Champions Cup meetings.
The Top 14 leaders have already earned bonus-point victories over Exeter Chiefs and Bordeaux-Begles, but were beaten by Pau last time out. And Pienaar is relishing the challenge of taking on one of Europe's most daunting sides.
"We're right up for the Clermont game now. [It's] Always a privilege to play at the Kingspan Stadium but it adds extra spice being in Europe. They are a really good team and we know how tough it is, but these are the games you want to be involved in as a rugby player, it should be a great clash.
"We have a massive week of preparation ahead of us. Clermont back-to-back is a big ask but we will get a few Irish guys back, and they will be on a high after a good international series. They have done really well to beat the All Blacks and Australia, so hopefully they can add that energy and experience to help us going into this week," he said.
Pienaar's men began their campaign with defeat at Bordeaux but recovered to edge out Exeter Chiefs 19-18 at home. They return to the Kingspan Stadium this weekend and Pienaar wants to reward their loyal supporters with a famous triumph.
"The crowd really gets behind us and hopefully we get a really good turnout this week, they really help the team along. We're looking forward to getting back home for a big game against a big side," he added.
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