Strettle settles score over Lancaster snub

CLERMONT wing david Strettle revealed his satisfaction at settling an ‘old score’ with Stuart Lancaster, now a coach with Leinster, after his try helped end the Irish province’s European dream in Lyon.

The 33-year-old accused Lancaster of showing no respect during his time as England coach, and offering no explanation for consistently ignoring the former Saracens star.

Enjoying a career renaissance in France, Strettle scored the try that helped book a final showdown with his former club.

‘When someone doesn’t respect you it’s nice to go out and show them what you can do,’ Strettle said. ‘Stuart didn’t speak to me much then, so I don’t think he’ll speak to me now.

‘It was tough to take when he didn’t pick me. Hopefully he will go back and watch that game and think, “you know what, he’s a better player than I thought he was”.

‘Eddie Jones rang me before last year’s Six Nations and said, “Your performances warrant a phonecall”. The regime I was under never bothered. That’s the sad fact.’

Clermont all but booked their place at Murrayfield next month after storming to a 15-0 lead in 15 minutes, with Strettle setting up the opening try before scoring the second.

Leinster scored just three first-half points through Lions No 10 Johnny Sexton. ‘The first 15 cost us really, didn’t it?’ said Sexton. ‘To go 15-0 down was really disappointing. We didn’t get the rub of the green on a couple of occasions.’

Sexton kicked 17 points to keep his side in the game, while 21-year-old centre Garry Ringrose scored a sublime 60-metre try to prompt renewed questions over his Lions omission.

But roared on by 30,000 supporters, Morgan Parra and Camille Lopez showed their experience to kick the points that set up Strettle’s ‘emotional’ reunion with his former club.