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Clermont Auvergne outlast Edinburgh in game of runs
By PA
Edinburgh’s European Challenge Cup campaign began in losing fashion as they went down to a 31-18 defeat against Clermont Auvergne at Stade Marcel-Michelin.
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They fought back strongly from a 17-0 deficit just before half-time, scoring 13 unanswered points through a Javan Sebastian try that Tim Swiel converted, plus penalties from Swiel and Cameron Scott.
But Clermont finished strongly to underline their status among the pre-tournament favourites.
The French heavyweights made a flying start as tries from George Moala and Alex Newsome, both converted by fly-half Anthony Belleau, who also kicked a penalty, left Edinburgh with it all to do.
But their deficit was just four points entering the final quarter before Newsome’s second touchdown and a try for substitute prop Daniel Bibi Biziwu saw Clermont home.
Belleau kicked two more conversions, and Edinburgh claimed a late consolation try from Wes Goosen.
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The writer here ignores the fact that, following on from not taking the penalty kick, the All Blacks did manage to score a try a few minutes later. Not directly from the penalty awarded, but it is speculation to say that had they opted to take the koi they would have won. Even if they kicked it, which was no guarantee, they would still be trailing and would have had to start again at half-way.
Go to commentsI would be surprised if Sales Opoku Fordjour and Northampton’s Tommy Freeman are not in the team, Anthony Watson is also one that could go on the wing. One thing I must say is that the front 3 will get destroyed against a team like South Africa.
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