Lyon (AFP)
After a disappointing 2020/2021 financial year concluded in 9th place, Lyon jumped back into the Top 14 by beating Clermont 28-19 (half-time: 22-16), Sunday on his home ground in Gerland during the 1st day .
Thanks to this first victory, on their new synthetic turf, and the return of their public, the Lyonnais ideally started their season thanks in particular to a double from young winger Ethan Dumortier (20).
Despite a good start to the match, Clermont left with a defeat without the defensive bonus point.
The two teams presented themselves reduced, with already about fifteen absent in Lyon, and ten in Clermont.
In addition to the injured, the French internationals were notably at forced rest on both sides, after having participated in July in the tour of the XV of France in Australia.
Lyon suffered early in the game, due to his chronic indiscipline, with seven penalties conceded in the first twenty minutes.
Led 16-7 after half an hour of play, the Rhone finally managed to get their hands on the ball.
Ethan Dumortier scored twice in four minutes (33rd, 37th) to allow his team to take the lead at half-time (22-16).
In the second half, the pace of the game slackened.
Lyon, however, showed more control and kept their opponent at bay thanks to the boot of their opener, Léo Berdeu, author of 13 points (2 conversions, 3 penalties).
In the last quarter of an hour, the Lyonnais, fresher physically, defended their line against the Clermont assaults to preserve the victory and prevent their opponent from leaving with the defensive bonus.
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