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Peceli Yato of Clermont Auvergne runs in to score a try during the Challenge Cup match between Northampton Saints and Clermont Auvergne at Franklin's Gardens on October 13, 2018.
ASM Clermont Auvergne will look to sustain their 100% per cent record in this season’s European Rugby Challenge Cup as they host Dragons at the Stade Marcel-Michelin.
- This will be the second meeting between ASM Clermont Auvergne and the Dragons after they clashed in the 2007 semi-final which the TOP 14 side won 46-29.
- Clermont are one of three clubs with a 100% record this season, along with Sale Sharks and La Rochelle.
- Clermont have won all 26 of their home games in the Challenge Cup, scoring an average of 48 points per game.
- Clermont have averaged 735 metres and 44 defenders beaten per game this season, more than any other side in either category.
- Of players to attempt 10 or more kicks at goal this season, Clermont’s Pato Fernandez (100%, 10/10) and Dragons’ Josh Lewis (91%, 10/11) have the best goalkicking success rate this season (Marcus Smith of Harlequins also 10/11).
Clermont's French flanker Judicael Cancoriet
ASM Clermont Auvergne strengthened their position at the top of Pool 1 in the European Rugby Challenge Cup with a seven-try dispatch of Dragons.
Clermont took an early grip on proceedings with early touchdowns through flanker Judicael Cancoriet and Fijian centre Apisa Naqalevu both converted by Greig Laidlaw who went on to have a 100 per cent record with the boot.
Dragons reduced the deficit to 14-10 with hooker Elliot Dee going over 15 minutes from the break and Josh Lewis adding the conversion and penalty.
Two tries in quick succession through winger Peter Betham and a second for Cancoriert re-established home dominance although Dragons at least gave themselves some hope when flanker Aaron Wainwright crossed right on the break to help reduce the deficit to 28-17.
TRY | @aaronwain97 gets his second try of the season, which is converted by Josh Lewis just before the interval to make the half time score 28-17 to the hosts #ASMvDRA pic.twitter.com/s6QtZpaKmI
— Dragons 🏉 (@dragonsrugby) December 15, 2018
But it proved a false dawn as Clermont number eight Fritz Lee went over early in the second half and the French Pool 1 leaders underlined their superiority with second try for Naqalevu and replacement Charlie Cassang.
Dragons only response was a try by replacement Rhodri Williams converted by Lewis with 12 minutes remaining but the visitors were second best on the day.
Clermont are in action again against visitors Northampton Saints on January 12 while Dragons host Timisoara Saracens the previous evening.
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