Match Report: Clermont survive scare after 13 man Toulouse fight back

FT - Claremont 33 Toulouse 30

In an absolute end to end actioned packed game, Claremont Auvergne were made to sweat, but survived after a brilliant and courageous fight back from 13 man Stade Toulouse.

The game started the way it ended, with a frantic pace. Ntamack missed an early penalty before two penalties in five minuteds from Lopez, gave Claremont a six point lead.

Toulouse struck back six minutes later, after Cros charged down a clearance from Lopez to score. Ntamack failed to add the extras.

Clermont were then awarded a penalty try in the 28th minute after repeated infrigements. Marchand was shown a yellow card as a result from that.

Lopez failed to add another three points two minutes later, but made up for it as he scored a converted try three minutes later.

The TMO then spotted something on the tryline in the build up of that try. Tekori elbowed Lee in the head and the Referee had no choice to send him off with five minutes to half time.

That looked to be it for the first half, but Claremont were awarded a penalty on the half time hooter, whch Lopez slotted confidently.

Claremont too a good lead into halftime, and it looked a long way back for Toulouse.

Toulouse threw caution to the wind and started the second half on fire as Elstadt scored from a strong rolling maul, five minutes into the second half.

It looked like Toulouse were getting their confidence back to start a comeback, but Arnold was then sent off as well for a poor high tackle. Lopez slotted the resulting penalty to extend their lead to 14 points.

Toulouse upped the tempo and with over 20 minutes to go. They had nothing to lose and threw ball around as they upped the tempo.

Despite being two men down, the next 15 minutes were all Toulouse. The comeback started when Elstadt went over for his second try, again from the maul. Ntamack added the extras before slotting another penalty

Clermont then went down to 13 men after Biziwu went to the bin. It was game on for Toulouse.

Ntamack added another three points after the yellow card, before Dupont scored a briliant try only a minute later. Ntamack failed to add the extras.

Straight after the restart, Moala scored a break away try to give Claremont a chance to breathe and regain same control.

With only 3 points in it, Toulouse penalty late on, and opted to go for the win, instead of going for a draw. They kicked to the corner. The resulting maul saw them go over to seal what they thought was a miracle victory.

The referee asked to the TMO to confirm, only for the try to be disallowed and Claremont getting a penalty to end the game with a narrow win.

Top Performers -

Fritz Lee - Solid with ball in hand, excellent on defence and was a menace in the tackle.

George Moala - Made metres wih every carry, beat several defender with several clean breaks. Deserved his try

Antione Dupont - Another solid game from the French No.9. Scored a brilliant try, and gave Toulouse good solid ball from the break down.

Camille Lopez - Oustanding with the boot and tactically very confident. Took on the line on a few occasions. Scored 21 points for the game.