Sale Sharks Dominate Clermont in Champions Cup Opener

Clermont Auvergne missed a vital opportunity to make an early statement in the Champions Cup, falling 35–15 at home to Sale Sharks in a one-sided opening-day clash at the Marcel-Michelin Stadium. The Yellow and Blues now face a critical challenge to regroup ahead of their next European fixture in Perpignan.

The match got off to a disastrous start for Clermont, with Sale exploiting defensive lapses within the opening minute. Although Yérim Fall responded with a try in the 10th minute following a strong run from Moala and a long pass from Axel Guillaud, Clermont struggled to impose themselves. Sale’s physicality and precision outmatched the French side in tackles, movement, and passing, leading to frequent turnovers that the Sharks capitalized on. Louw scored after a well-executed turnover in the 20th minute, and Sale added further points before halftime, leaving Clermont trailing 7–20.

Clermont briefly rallied after the break, with Rob Simmons intercepting a pass and sprinting 40 meters to link with Lucas Zamora for a try in the 47th minute, narrowing the gap to 14–20. However, Sale quickly regained control after returning to full strength, forcing turnovers and punishing Clermont with clinical finishing. Bedlow and Wills added late tries to seal a bonus-point victory, leaving the Yellow and Blues still searching for their first points in the competition.

ASM Clermont coach admitted after the match that his side “weren’t up to the level of the competition,” highlighting the need for regrouping and composure as they prepare for next week’s crucial clash in Catalonia. Sale Sharks, by contrast, executed their game plan to perfection, moving to the top of the early standings and setting a strong tone for their Champions Cup campaign.

Scoreline: Sale Sharks 35 – 15 Clermont (HT: 20–7)
Scorers:

• Clermont: Fall (10′), Zamora (47′) tries; Bezy, Zamora conversions

• Sale Sharks: O’Flaherty (2′), Louw (20′), Reed (37′), Bedlow (69′), Wills (73′) tries; Du Preez 2 conversions, 2 penalties

Clermont Team: Lotrian; Fourcade, Ojovan, Simmons, Ceyte; Tixeront (c), Kremer, Tolofua; Bezy, Simone; Raka, Moala, Frier, Fall, Guillaud. Substitutes: Lam, Akhaladze, Tutisani, Ratuva, Muarua, Zamora, Plummer, Newsome.

Sale Sharks Team: McIntyre; Jibulu, John, Burrow, Bamber; Vermeulen, Van Ryhn (c), Curry; Quirke, Du Preez; Wills, Louw, Bedlow, O’Flaherty, Reed. Substitutes: Caine, Onosanya, Harper, Andrews, Woodman, Warr, Davies, Wehr.