Damian Penaud scored two tries as Clermont claimed an impressive 33-26 win at Bristol in their Challenge Cup round-of-16 tie on Friday.
The France international was joined on the score-sheet by Tomas Lavanini and George Moala while Anthony Belleau kicked 13 points for Les Jaunards.
Harry Randall and Semi Radradra crossed for the Bears in the first half, with AJ MacGinty adding the remainder of their points, as the hosts lost out.
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Lavanini would burrow over from close range in the 23rd minute before Penaud showed his class as he raced in four minutes later to extend the lead.
However, Bristol hit back with two tries of their own before the interval as Randall crossed before an injured Radradra limped over as Bristol led 20-17.
But Clermont weren’t done and a score before the interval from Moala made sure it was the visitors who went into the break with their noses in front.
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🟡 Damian Penaud giving us Clement Poitrenaud-Rob Howley flashbacks.pic.twitter.com/m6dVD01QIk
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) March 31, 2023
Bristol’s only points in the second period came via the boot of MacGinty so when Penaud dotted down after chasing what seemed like a lost cause on 70 minutes, the lead was 10 points and Clermont had done enough to book their place in the quarter-finals.
Vaea Fifita magic helps Scarlets beat Brive
Elsewhere, Scarlets booked a quarter-final date with Clermont thanks to a wonderful solo try from Vaea Fifita as they beat Brive 19-7 at Parc y Scarlets.
The Welsh region led 9-0 at the break thanks to three Sam Costelow penalties but the Challenge Cup knockout game would come alive after the break.
First it was Brive fly-half Stuart Olding who showed decent pace and composure to cross from distance, his conversion narrowing the gap to two points.
🍿 Love watching Vaea Fifita in full flow! #ChallengeCupRugby pic.twitter.com/673l0lNCF7
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) March 31, 2023
But that sparked the Scarlets into life as Fifita demonstrated once again what a special talent he is as he sprinted past defenders to cross on 51 minutes.
Aaron Shingler’s try on 78 minutes would put the seal on his side’s victory as a home date with Clermont now awaits in next week’s quarter-final match.