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From the ridiculous to the sublime - Clermont overcome 'absurd' episode to thump Saracens

By Jack Davies
Alivereti Raka celebrates.

Clermont Auvergne put the “amateurism” of the past two days behind them to storm to a record-breaking 46-14 European Champions Cup victory at title-holders Saracens on Monday.

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The match was originally scheduled to take place on Sunday but was moved due to snow, with the handling of the situation described as “absurd” by the French club in a strongly worded statement.

Monday’s rescheduled fixture between last season’s two finalists was initially billed as “behind closed doors”, before Saracens clarified that fans would be welcomed.

And a depleted crowd watched Clermont cross for six tries – including three for Alivereti Raka – in a re-run of the sides’ clash in May, which Saracens won 28-17.

The result – Sarries’ biggest defeat in Europe – sends Clermont four points clear at the top of Pool 2 ahead of the return fixture next weekend.

Raka took just 25 minutes to chalk up his hat-trick, as his trio of tries powered Clermont into a 21-0 lead to stun the home side.

A penalty try was all Saracens could muster before the break and Clermont were 41-7 in front by the 64th minute thanks to touchdowns from Flip van der Merwe and Wesley Fofana, the former clinching the bonus point.

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George Kruis’ try six minutes from time was unlikely to cause the visitors too much of a headache, and Isaia Toeava ensured Clermont had the final say in the closing minutes.

Saracens now hold a two-point lead over the third-placed Ospreys. The Premiership side head to Clermont on Sunday, while the Welsh region are at home to winless Northampton Saints.

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