Clermont-Ferrand (AFP)
Lyon conceded their first loss of the season Sunday on the field of Clermont (24-15) but remains leader of the Top 14 at the end of this 8th day.
Disputed in the pouring rain, the match, without the slightest attempt, was summed up to a duel of scorers.
In this game, Jake McIntyre has taken over Jonathan Wisniewski, last-minute guest due to the break-up of Jean-Marc Doussain, the LOU's usual opener, injured during the warm-up.
McIntyre, top scorer of the Top 14 with 102 points scored, has passed eight penalties against five and a drop for Wisniewski, a record sanctioning the indiscipline of Lyon who has struggled to try to contain offensives Clermont.
Already in the first half, a drop (7th) and two penalties (2nd, 13th) from Wisniewski allowed Lyon to stay in the game and reach the half-time with only six points behind (15-9) while being reduced to fourteen with the temporary exclusion of Gill (31st).
In the second half, the Rhodanians were again penalized with the yellow card inflicted on Francisco Gomez-Kodela (48th). And especially with the final exclusion of Liam Gill in the 56th minute for a second yellow card.
A numerical inferiority that allowed the ASM to master the end of the game against Lyonnais too rough in the offensive animation.
Despite this defeat, Lyon, who has never won in Clermont since 1933, keeps the lead with four points ahead of Bordeaux-Bègles, while the ASM, with this fifth win of the season, climbs to fourth. place at ten points of the LOU.
© 2019 AFP