Clermont Auvergne 35 Sale Sharks 3

SALE Sharks made a mistake in the opening seconds but recovered well stealing the lineout and Tom Brady put in a huge kick downfield to clear the danger.

Sharks had a good period in Clermont territory but the home side buoyed by the home support bathed in glorious sunshine cleared the danger and started to build momentum.

The scrum has evenly matched in weight in that Clermont's collection of forwards weighed in only 4kgs heavier than the Sharks eight.

Michael Paterson was, as always a tower in the Sharks lineout.

The expectation of the home fans was evident as they cheered their heroes every move.

Magnus Lund's six years experience as a Biarritz player was helping Sharks and the Sharks were by no means overawed by the occasion.

The centre pairing of Jonny Leota and Sammy Tuitupou was working perfectly and Sharks were tackling manfully.

A Sharks lineout near the Clermont line was wasted as Marc Jones' throw was too long and Clermont broke themselves through Davies and his pass found former Bath Full Back Nick Abendanon raced in for a try on 16 minutes. Lopez converted 7-0.

Sharks were awarded a penalty a minutes later and Danny Cipriani booted the three pointer 7-3.

Sammy Tuitupou upset the home crowd when he smashed Rougerie into the turf. Referee Clancy said it was a fair tackle.

Clermont were awarded a penalty 22 metres out on 27 minutes and Lopez kicked the three pointer.

On 30 minutes Sammy Tuitupou was pinged by referee Clancy and Lopez kicked the penalty 13-3.

The home side were under immense pressure as they knew they had to win to stay in the competition following their defeat at Saracens the previous week.

On 49 minutes Lopez increased the lead to 16-3 with a well struck penalty.

Nalaga collected a big crossfield kick and shook off a kick to race in for Clermont's second try. Lopez missed the conversion but the hosts led 21-3 with 25 minutes left.