Clermont-Ferrand (AFP)
After its defeat in Toulon (27-9), ASM Clermont again got into difficulty by conceding on Sunday on its home ground against Racing 92 its third defeat in a row including two at home in Top 14 (22-24) at the end of the 13th day.
Under the snow, the Clermontois, 7th in the standings and who are no longer in the group of six qualifying for the final phase, again gave in at home after the failures against Montpellier (21-15) in the Championship and Munster in the Coupe d 'Europe (39-31).
Even if it is two matches behind, ASM, which has not beaten Racing at Parc Marcel-Michelin since 2017, remains on a worrying series of four defeats in four matches.
For its part, Racing, 3rd one point behind Toulouse (2nd) and three behind leader La Rochelle, signs its sixth consecutive victory in all competitions and its fifth away victory this season in the Top 14.
While they led 16-9 at the break, the Auvergnats collapsed again in the second period against the physical density of the Ile-de-France residents, superior in close scrum like this last introduction into their camp won in the 79th then that Clermont could still pocket the win of the match.
After a start to the match to the advantage of the Racingmen, Franck Azéma's men still dominated before half-time with a try from Peni Ravai in the 23rd and an ambitious game.
Under the leadership of Camille Lopez, imperial at the foot (6/6) and the returns of executives like Lopez or Moala behind, the ASM thought to build a solid victory.
But once again, the Clermont foundations were feverish.
After the yellow card of Rabah Slimani (56th) for repeated faults in melee, Baptiste Chouzenoux scored the try of hope before Teddy Iribaren, also author of a 100% at the foot, equalizes (19-19, 63rd ).
Clermont definitely cracked a few minutes from the end with a try from Simon Zebo scored in the 74th.
The victory try for the Irish international after a nice breakthrough from Juan Imhoff and impeccable service from Finn Russell at the foot.
© 2021 AFP