text: Jonathan Davies has warned Saracens that Clermont Auvergne are ‘sharpening the blade’ ahead of Saturday’s Champions Cup semi-final having made easy meat of Northampton. Clermont thrashed the English champions 37-5 in the last-eight tie at the Stade Marcel-Michelin and - with a place at the Twickenham final in sight - the French outfit are now plotting the downfall of the Aviva Premiership’s second best side. Both clubs are going in search of their first-ever European crown and, after leaving Wales in search of continental success last summer, Davies is determined to deliver another perfect performance in Saint Etienne. Jonathan Davies says Clermont are relishing Champions Cup semi-final against Northampton . ‘The plan is to replicate the Northampton display,’ said Davies. ‘People talk about it as the complete performance, but we should always expect to deliver that sort of intensity, accuracy and execution. It wasn’t a surprise to me. ‘There is an expectation on us but we can use that as a positive - we’re in a good place at the moment. We got some quality training in at the start of this week and we can really sharpen the blade on Thursday and Friday. When Saturday comes, everyone is on the same page to deliver and execute.’ Despite this weekend’s fixture being played at a ‘neutral’ venue, Clermont are expecting more supporters than at a typical sell-out fixture at their 18,000-capacity home ground. It is a 90-mile drive from the industrial town to the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, where the Top 14 side are aiming to make amends for last year’s semi-final defeat at the hands of Saracens. Clermont are aiming to make amends for last year’s semi-final defeat at the hands of Saracens . ‘For 18,000 people to make that much noise in the quarter-final was quite special,’ said Davies. ‘Hopefully they’ll be even louder in St Etienne. The home crowd put out a rallying call; it’s a very proud area and there are expectations. ‘It’s nice to have that burden of making sure you deliver. Over the last few years we haven’t done that, but this year there is an edge and clarity. It’s good to draw on past experiences to help with the now. We all know what we want to achieve.’ According to Davies, the Clermont gameplan is simple: build an early lead, ease the pressure and force Saracens to run the ball rather than kick. The 27-year-old wants to nullify the aerial threat of half-backs Richard Wigglesworth and Charlie Hodgson, with Owen Farrell’s return to the bench adding to yesterday’s good news that George Kruis has signed a long-term contract extension. Clermont thrashed English champions Northampton in the previous round . While Saracens are flying the English flag in Europe’s premier competition, Exeter are preparing to face Gloucester in the second-tier Challenge Cup. Having overcome Lions and Northampton front-row Alex Corbisiero in the scrum on Sunday, it will be another chance for Anglo-Welsh tight-head Tomas Francis to impress. The Yorkshire-born Chief trained with Wales during the RBS 6 Nations, however he is still eligible to play for England. Warren Gatland has earmarked the 22-year-old for the World Cup but - while his loyalties now sway towards Wales – 21st2lb Francis would be open to a phonecall from the England coaches. ‘I have spoken to England in the past but no real conversations,’ revealed Francis. ‘Back in the autumn, they said I was on the radar. Wales were in touch around the same time, but my body was not ready for the next step up from the Championship. ‘At the minute, Wales are the ones in touch. If it came around then I would be happy to speak to Stuart Lancaster and I would have to think about it again. Growing up I probably dreamt of playing for England, but I have already been to train with Wales so there is a loyalty towards them now.’
target: Clermont Auvergne take on Saracens in Champions Cup semi-final .
  French side aiming to make amends for last year's exit at same stage .
  Clermont thrashed English champions Northampton in the last-eight .