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From the ridiculous to the sublime - Clermont overcome 'absurd' episode to thump Saracens
By Jack Davies
Clermont Auvergne put the "amateurism" of the past two days behind them to storm to a record-breaking 46-14 European Champions Cup victory at title-holders Saracens on Monday.
The match was originally scheduled to take place on Sunday but was moved due to snow, with the handling of the situation described as "absurd" by the French club in a strongly worded statement.
Monday's rescheduled fixture between last season's two finalists was initially billed as "behind closed doors", before Saracens clarified that fans would be welcomed.
And a depleted crowd watched Clermont cross for six tries – including three for Alivereti Raka – in a re-run of the sides' clash in May, which Saracens won 28-17.
The result – Sarries' biggest defeat in Europe – sends Clermont four points clear at the top of Pool 2 ahead of the return fixture next weekend.
Raka took just 25 minutes to chalk up his hat-trick, as his trio of tries powered Clermont into a 21-0 lead to stun the home side.
A penalty try was all Saracens could muster before the break and Clermont were 41-7 in front by the 64th minute thanks to touchdowns from Flip van der Merwe and Wesley Fofana, the former clinching the bonus point.
George Kruis' try six minutes from time was unlikely to cause the visitors too much of a headache, and Isaia Toeava ensured Clermont had the final say in the closing minutes.
Saracens now hold a two-point lead over the third-placed Ospreys. The Premiership side head to Clermont on Sunday, while the Welsh region are at home to winless Northampton Saints.
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Latest Comments
The way Ratima has been treated he needs to look OS. Same with Perofeta and Love, Hothem too. Razor is a token coach. Gives debuts but very few mins. Also DM too. Just go earn millions elsewhere DM as all you get in NZ is bagging.
BB is coaches favourite and I say let him have BB right thru to the next 2 or maybe even 3 World cups.😁😁 Have JB outside him at 12...That just works so well.
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
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