Clermont-Ferrand (AFP)

Long in difficulty and led most of the time, Clermont snatched a precious victory (25-16) at the expense of Toulon on Saturday in his Marcel-Michelin Park during the 24th day of the Top 14, thus making a big step towards qualifying for the final stages.

ASM is now 4th in the standings (67 pts) one length behind Racing (68) while the RCT, deprived of bonus points, is the big loser and is tied for 7th on points (62) with Bordeaux-Bègles and Stade Français, and two ahead of Castres (8th, 60).

"The victory is very important and makes us really good. At 15-16, there was time and we tried not to panic. The season is not over and it will be hard until the end to be in the six. What is good is not having left any points to our opponents, "said Clermont scrum-half Morgan Parra on Canal Plus.

"It's annoying because we controlled the game relatively well but we made a few mistakes which put our opponent back in the game. It's a shame we let the game slip away. We made mistakes this season which did not help us. not allow to be serene at the end ", regretted for his part the Toulon rear Gervais Cordin, also on Canal Plus.

After the victories of the French Stadium against Montpellier (32-10) and the UBB against Castres (20-16), Clermontois and Toulonnais had to win to keep their chances of playing the final stages.

This playoff-like game kept its promises in terms of commitment and suspense.

Quickly reduced to 14 after the yellow card from Isaia Toeava (4), the Var responded to a penalty from Parra with a try from Gabin Villière, very well served in his lane, which was transformed by Louis Carbonel (3-7 , 7th).

The French international winger, already scoring a hat-trick at Mayol in the first leg, scored his 6th try this season.

Long under pressure and long led to the score, especially at half-time (13-12), Clermont resisted and then reversed the match thanks to the boot of Parra, author again of a 100% at the foot (7/7 ), and thanks to a test written by Apisaï Naqalevu two minutes from the end.

Toulon, who led until the 71st minute and a penalty passed by Parra (18-16), did not repeat his feat of 2015 (35-9), during his only victory in Auvergne.

The RCT will host Union Bordeaux Bègles on Matchday 25 and finish the regular season in Castres.

Threatened before this match, Clermont gave himself some air before going to the Toulouse Stadium in two weeks, then to host the Rochelais Stadium.

© 2021 AFP