Clermont Auvergne came away from a freezing Vicarage Road with a try bonus-point keeping alive their knock-out hopes.

They signalled their intent in North London early on, powering their way forward at every opportunity.

First they attacked down the blind then hit up through midfield, Wesley Fofana bursting through to score. Full-back Anthony Floch had no problems with the conversion from in front of the posts.

It took Saracens a while to warm up, but their pack edged them back into the game and Owen Farrell kept the scoreboard ticking with two penalties.

Clermont’s early dominance faded as Saracens worked hard for territory and possession. They were rewarded for their efforts with a moment of magic from hooker Schalk Brits who drew the defence and then offloaded to England wing Strettle who glided into score.

Just three minutes later Clermont regained the lead. Wing Kini Murimurivalu and Floch combining in attack to take their side to within five metres of the line before support arrived in the form of Willie Wepener who crashed over to score.

All the possession in the opening ten minutes of the second period belonged to Saracens, but they couldn’t make their advantage pay, Farrell missing two shots at goal before success in the second half, Saracens re-taking the lead after 53 minutes.

Lavea crossed for Clermont’s third try after a powerful scrum and he converted his own score to give his side a 19-14 advantage. Ti’i Paulo got Clermont’s fourth and the bonus-point late on.