Clermont Auvergne convincingly beat the Ospreys 27-7 in a crucial Pool 3 Heineken Cup clash at Stade Marcel Michelin on the weekend. By doing so, theyve edged closer towards topping the pool next weekend.
Brock James scored 17 points to add to tries from wingers Julien Malzieu and Napolioni Nalaga in the second half, denying the Ospreys the possibility of at least picking up a vital losing bonus point.
The Welsh region started well, with a converted try for Tommy Bowe, but they missed out on a few chances and Clermonts power showed as they ran away with the match, coming into their own in the second half.
Flyhalf James hit the posts on a few occasions, but he took all other chances presented to him, making the visitors pay for their missed opportunities.
Full credit goes to Clermont as we were beaten by the better side. In fact, they were amazing especially Brock James, said Ospreys head coach Sean Holley.
You have to admire them but we came here with a lot of hope and ambition and we saw that in the early exchanges. But the penalty count was 14-2 against us and they came in the scrum. That clearly had an effect in the end.
It is an extremely disappointing dressing room and were disappointed for the fans but Clermont were worthy winners, he added.
Clermont head coach Vern Cotter said: The Ospreys came at us early on and found some gaps in our defence. But we tightened up and took control. It was a hard battle on a heavy pitch so its a good win. We are in good shape to qualify from such a tough group.
Clermont will take on Viadana in their last pool clash this weekend, with a maximum points haul there being enough to take them through to the last eight. The Ospreys will host Leicester in Swansea.
Time:
05:00
Note:
Thanks to WRN
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