Stade Francais 29 Clermont 25:STADE FRANCAIS will await the winners of today's clash at Thomond Park in next month's final in Cardiff after a thrilling victory in the first semi-final at Stade Charlety last night.
Clermont made the better start and were 10-3 up midway through the first half thanks to a penalty from Morgan Parra and a try from George Pisi, converted by Parra, with Stade’s only score coming from the boot of Lionel Beauxis.
They looked likely to extend their lead as gaps opened up, but outhalf Brent Russell threw a loose pass which was picked off by Stade wing Jimmy Arias who ran 60 yards to score under the posts. Beauxis added the conversion and three penalties before the break as a rattled Clermont lost their discipline.
A penalty from Parra reduced the deficit, then Russell got on the end of a kick and chase, with Parra converting, to nudge them back in front.
Again Stade came back and looked to have made the game safe with a try from centre Guillaume Bousses, and a penalty and conversion from the deadly Beauxis.
There was still time for a scare at the end as Clermont flanker Jamie Cudmore ran through a gaping hole to score, but Parra’s conversion was judged to have gone over the top of a post.
Scorers: Stade Francais – Tries: Arias, Bousses. Cons: Beauxis 2. Pens: Beauxis 5. Clermont – Tries: Pisi, Russell, Cudmore. Cons: Parra 2. Pens: Parra 2.
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