Clermont make superb Challenge Cup start with bonus-point win over Edinburgh
George Moala celebrates with his Clermont team-mates after scoring the first try during their Challenge Cup win over Edinburgh.
Clermont-Auvergne made an outstanding start to their 2023/24 Challenge Cup campaign when they sealed a 31-18 bonus-point triumph over Edinburgh at the Stade Marcel-Michelin on Friday.
The Top 14 outfit were full value for their win as they raced into a 17-0 lead before their Scottish visitors fought back strongly 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 the home side finished strongly to underline their status among the pre-tournament favourites.
Click here for teams and scorers
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.
READ MORE: Northampton Saints and Bordeaux-Begles kick off Champions Cup with superb away victories