The Auvergnats, sixth in pool A, had to win at Kingspan stadium to win their ticket directly to the round of 16.

They got their way, a few hours later, thanks to their compatriots from La Rochelle, Glasgow scorers (38-30).

The joy of left winger La Rochelle, Pierre Boudehent, after scoring a try against Glasgow, during the 4th day of the European Cup, January 22, 2022 at Scotstoun Stadium ANDY BUCHANAN AFP

Here they are assured of a place in the first eight, synonymous with the round of 16 against a cador from the other group (Leicester, Harlequins or Bristol).

Narrowly beaten in the first leg (29-23), the Clermontois have never yet won in Ulster, falling on an Irish bone and the desire to mark the spirits of the province of Belfast: the Ulstermen, them already qualified, scored five tries, including a double from Rob Herring (7th, 38th).

The Auvergnats, for their part, scored three between the 70th and 77th minute, too late to get the feat despite Morgan Parra's twelve points at the foot.

Led by their captain and third line Judicaël Cancoriet, the Clermontois were serious and applied in the first period, taking advantage of the slightest faults of their opponents thanks to a Parra of the great days (4/4), against the Irish more inclined towards a game of attack, made of conquering mauls but also of balloons in the open.

Clermont scrum-half Morgan Parra hits a penalty against Ulster on Matchday 4 of the European Cup on January 22, 2022 in Belfast Paul Faith AFP

Upon returning from the locker room, the match seemed folded (34-12, 66th) when the comebacks of Damian Penaud and Camille Lopez, decisive, began to stem the powerful red wave, until closing the gap.

But, reduced to fourteen, after the yellow card of Alivereti Raka (39th), Jono Gibbes' men went too far to come back and overthrow the effective Irish.

Even the hallali sounded by Penaud and Lopez, materialized by three attempts by South African Jacobus Van Tonder (34-17, 70th), Alivereti Raka (34-25, 73rd) and finally Cancoriet (34-31, 76th ), came too late.

But that offensive bonus point made the difference down the stretch.

© 2022 AFP