ASM Clermont Auvergne ran in eight tries as they closed up on Heineken Champions Cup Pool 3 leaders Ulster Rugby with a 52-26 bonus point win over Bath Rugby at Stade Marcel Michelin on Sunday afternoon.

Clermont had the bonus point in the bag after 21 minutes with a devastating array of clinical finishing from the hosts.

John Ulugia, Damian Penaud, Alivereti Raka and George Moala were all able to cross the whitewash as Bath’s defence struggled to contain the powerful play from the hosts.

They did show some resolve with Jack Walker and Rauridh McConnochie diving over either side of another try for both Moala and Raka as the half finished 40-14 to Clermont.

The second half was a much tighter affair despite Camille Lopez scoring a seventh Clermont try on 46 minutes after a quick tap and shove over the try line.

Tom Dunn and Josh Bayliss were the beneficiaries of two powerful driving mauls in the second period and got over the line to ensure Bath would leave with at least a bonus point.

However, Clermont had the final say as Jake McIntyre rounded off a lovely team move with an incisive finish.

Clermont will take on Ulster Rugby in Round 5 next month at Stade Marcel Michelin in a match that could decide which team tops Heineken Champions Cup Pool 3.