Gutsy Stormers outclassed by Clermont

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The DHL Stormers surrendered an 11-point half-time lead under siege by a resurgent Clermont side in their first Champions Cup match on Saturday night.

Having led 14-3 at the break, the Stormers came under massive pressure in the second 40 as Clermont launched wave after wave of attack. That pressure eventually told as Clermont scored two tries to snatch a 24-14 victory at home.

Ultimately, the tourists were outclassed in the second half, as Clermont got plenty of joy out of their kicking game, forcing the Stormers to scramble in defence.

The Stormers can be pleased with elements of their game in the first half, with try-scorer Deon Fourie standing out with three turnovers. However, seeing as they only had possession once in Clermont’s 22 in the second half, this will serve as a strong lesson as to the intensity and technical accuracy of Champions Cup rugby, which is certainly a step above the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.

Backed by deafening home support, Clermont flew out of the blocks in the second half, eventually breaking the Stormers’ defence when fullback Alex Newsome burst through two tackles to score in the right corner. A conversion and penalty from flyhalf Jules Plisson cut the defecit to just one point, leaving the Stormers clinging on.

It was star wing Alivereti Raka who pushed the Stormers off the proverbial cliff, as he forced his way over to give Clermont the lead for the first time in the match.

That would be a lead that the home side never relinquished, as Plisson added another penalty and a drop goal to give Clermont enough of a buffer to see out the win.

The Stormers will next host English Premiership side London Irish at Cape Town Stadium next Saturday.

Photo: THIERRY ZOCCOLAN/AFP via Getty Images

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Dylan Jack