Leinster’s seven‑try display overwhelms Clermont in Champions Cup opener
Leinster opened their quest for a fifth European title with a dominant bonus‑point victory over Clermont at Stade Marcel‑Michelin, winning 48‑23 in the Investec Champions Cup pool one fixture. The Irish province, coached by Leo Cullen, fielded a side packed with Ireland internationals and their attacking power was evident from the start.
Tadhg Furlan and Dan Sheehan crossed the line in the first half, while Clermont’s Joris Jurand answered with a try and fly‑half Harry Plummer added two penalties to give the hosts a 11‑point lead at the break. Early in the second half Sam Prendergast, who finished with 16 points, scored a spectacular try within two minutes of the restart, setting the tone for the remainder of the match. A penalty try was awarded after prop Nohem Ez Zahouany was sin‑binned, and Sheehan added a second try for Leinster. Clermont’s Mathys Belaubre responded with a try, but Jack Conan and Tommy O’Brien each added scores in the final quarter to seal a convincing win for the four‑time champions.
The match began with a moment of silence for Lions lock Hyron Andrews, who died at age 31 the previous Friday while staying at the South African team’s hotel in La Rochelle. Cullen expressed his condolences, noting the shock of the news after playing the Lions only weeks earlier.
Leinster’s forward pack received particular praise from Prendergast, who highlighted the dominance of the scrum, line‑out defence and maul as key to creating scoring opportunities. Conan left the field with his arm in a sling, a development that could concern Ireland coach Andy Farrell given the injury concerns surrounding fellow back‑rower Caelan Doris.
Cullen told Premier Sports, “There was a lot of good stuff in the game. Conditions were a bit tricky, greasy ball, especially in the first half, and Clermont are a physical side. It’s a great stadium, great crowd. A sad day with Hyron Andrews, our thoughts are with the Lions and their families.”
Prendergast added, “It’s pretty special to win. I haven’t played here before, the atmosphere was unbelievable, the place was hopping. Our forward dominance, scrum, line‑out defence and maul were very good, and that put us in the right positions.”
Clermont line‑up: Bouraux; Delguy, Lam, Darricarrere, Jurand; Plummer (c), Baptiste Jauneau; Akhaladze, Massa, Ez Zahouany, Lanen, Swain; Tixeront, Hemery, Kevin Noah. Replacements: Narisia, Lotrian, Frisach, Vargas, Chalus‑Cercy, Vermeulen, Germain, Belaubre. Sin‑bin: Ez Zahouany (56).
Leinster line‑up: Keenan; T O’Brien, Ringrose, Henshaw, J O’Brien; Prendergast, Gunne; Porter, Sheehan (c), Furlan, J McCarthy, Ryan, Baird, Van der Flier, Conan. Replacements: Kelleher, Usanov, Clarkson, O’Tighearnaigh, Penny, Coffey, Carbery, J Osborne. Sin‑bin: McCarthy (80). Referee: Matthew Carley (RFU).