Ulster top Pool 3 with 17 points – one ahead of Clermont – but would be leapfrogged by the 2019 Challenge Cup winners if they triumph at home this weekend.

Despite a victory over Clermont in Belfast in Round 2, Stockdale – who has played every minute of Ulster’s European campaign this term – knows the challenge that awaits his team in France.

The 23-year-old Irish international told Ulster’s website: “Clermont away is a tough place to go and we know that not many teams go there and win.

“But look, we thrive on those opportunities and those challenges, so we are looking forward to it.”

Ulster full-back Will Addison also expects a cup final atmosphere on Saturday at the Stade Marcel Michelin.

"It feels like a cup final and I'm sure Clermont will feel the exact same," Addison told BBC Northern Ireland.

"You don't need to be a mathematician to have a look at the pool and see we're the two teams competing at the top of the table.

"You have to go there as a really tight unit, because there aren’t going to be too many voices in that Clermont crowd this weekend shouting for us."

You can watch ASM Clermont Auvergne v Ulster Rugby live on BT Sport and beIN SPORTS from 13:00 GMT.

Ulster Rugby wing Jacob Stockdale has revealed that the Irish province are looking forward to testing themselves at ASM Clermont Auvergne on Saturday in what could be a Heineken Champions Cup Pool 3 decider.