Clermont-Ferrand (AFP)

Despite the absence of eleven players including nine selected in the selection, Clermont has emerged logically, without really shaking, ahead of La Rochelle (28-10), Sunday on his field, opening the Top 14.

With only one rookie, the Australian opener Jake McIntyre, in his starting fifteen, the ASM points to the 4th rank behind Lyon and Toulon (5 points) and tied with Pau, Bordeaux-Bègles, Castres but especially Bayonne, his next opponent. Without having difficulty in setting up his movement game, especially early in the game.

Because, in this revenge of the last final of the European Challenge (victory of Clermont 36-16), Rochelais have been too undisciplined. First when Tawera Kerr-Barlow was temporarily excluded after 6 minutes, then when Sila Puafisi was excluded around the hour of play (61st).

Each time, the Jaunards took the opportunity to register a test. But the clumsiness of the Maritimes does not explain everything: the Clermont were solid and realistic, quickly taking the lead by Peter Betham, following a great breakthrough Jaco Van Tonder (10-0, 8th).

The Rochelais, also deprived of five internationals, however, took advantage of a drop in intensity to fill part of their delay by a test of Pierre Aguillon (10-7, 21st).

But this false rhythm, and its many in-forwards, finally benefited the Auvergnats, who relied on their scrum and the boot of Mc Intyre, to increase their lead.

In the manner of Camille Lopez, the Australian opening half sent a perfect pass to Betham, for a double synonymous with break for Clermont (18-10, 56th).

Too undisciplined, La Rochelle has made far too many mistakes to worry a team that lost only twice at home last season.

And it is Judicael Cancoriet (76th, 28-10), well helped by Betham, who broke the nail. Clermont will have the opportunity to confirm next week, with a trip to the surprising bayonese, Racing 92 hitters during the first day.

La Rochelle, for its part, receives the Stade Français, revenge after having conceded seven tries before the LOU (43-9).

© 2019 AFP