With a 53-point thumping of the Irish region Ulster, Clermont Auvergne advanced the French team to yet another European semi-final. They go to The Stoop in London to play South African team Sharks, who overcame Edinburgh in a close game at times thanks to home advantage and a roster that included Springboks.
With wins over Ulster and Edinburgh on Saturday, Clermont and the Sharks advanced to the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup, taking a step closer to the championship match. Gloucester, who defeated Ospreys on Friday, joined them, and the only teams left to play were Connacht and Benetton.
The score at the Stade Marcel-Michelin was a massive 53-14 victory for Clermont Auvergne over Ulster. The first half of the match was competitive, but Clermont’s superiority overcame Ulster.
On his tenth try of the season, Nick Timoney surged over to give the visitors the early lead. With a series of deft short-range baskets and a steal of the ball, Peceli Yato of Clermont responded almost immediately to Timoney’s score, tying the game at seven points.
The hosts’ momentum carried them through the remainder of the half as they began to apply pressure on Ulster. They scored two penalties and Pita-Gus Sowakula, who had previously set up Yato’s try, completed a brilliant move with his own try.
Before halftime, Ulster looked like they could lose the match, but Timoney’s second try for the province brought them to within six points of Clermont.
