In Pool A, the Clermontois go back to 6th place with seven points, tied with the Sharks (7th).

Clermont had lost its first home match against Ulster (23-29) which it will find on its ground, in Ireland, during the next day.

The first leg against Sale had meanwhile been called off, due to the Covid outbreak in the UK, and a draw had been ordered (0-0).

"We were keen to do well after the setback against Ulster. We are proud of the victory and the state of mind, even if everything was not perfect", declared to the microphone of BeInSports Damian Penaud , started at center for the fifth time this season.

"We lacked discipline but we showed solidarity. The important thing is to have taken the four points," added Penaud.

"It was very hard and complicated. We sometimes rushed. The spirit has been better for a few weeks. Now it will be very difficult in Ireland against a great team. It's up to us to be very united to win there", for his part entrusted Morgan Parra, still on BeInSports.

The 2nd Argentinian line from Clermont, Tomas Lavanini, is tackled by two English players from Sale, during the 3rd day of the European Cup, on January 16, 2022 at the Stade Marcel-Michelin THIERRY ZOCCOLAN AFP

The entry into play of the scrum half, in the 61st minute, was decisive.

He passed two penalties (69th, 73rd) which allowed ASM to regain the advantage by taking a six-point lead seven minutes from the end (25-19).

Previously, the domination of the Clermontois in the second period had remained unsuccessful, unlike a first period with twists concluded with the score of 19-19 thanks to six tries, three on each side.

Led 5-0 from the start on a try by Jean-Luc Du Preez (5th), Clermont, deprived of Sébastien Vahaamina and Arthur Iturria, two executives, reversed the situation to lead 12-5 thanks to two achievements by Fritz Lee ( 5-5, 13th) and Alivereti Raka (12-5, 23rd).

But the Auvergnats lacked control and concentration.

They were caught in the score then lead 19-12 on two tries from Tom Roebuck (27th) and Bevan Rodd (33rd), transformed by Du Preez.

Clermont again returned to equality on a try from Penaud, transformed by Camille Lopez just before halftime (19-19, 40th).

Fortunately, for the Auvergne colors, they showed more rigor in the second half, until their two penalties in the final package.

© 2022 AFP