Clermont‘s Dominant Forward Pack Powers Champions Cup Rout
Clermont laid down an early marker in the Champions Cup, delivering a resounding 28-0 victory over Benetton Treviso at Marcel-Michelin. With a torrential downpour and biting cold, Clermont’s “lava flow” jersey seemed to provide more than just visual warmth as the home side’s powerful forwards dominated proceedings from the outset.
Benetton’s Early Setback
The Italians’ afternoon took a challenging turn just eight minutes in when Sebastian Negri received a yellow card for a head-on collision with Marcos Kremer. While Kremer was cleared to return to the pitch after passing concussion protocols, the penalty provided Clermont with an early opportunity.
Playing the advantage with precision, the Clermont forwards took control, driving relentlessly toward the Benetton line. Peceli Yato capped off the dominant forward surge by touching down for the opening try, putting Clermont on the scoreboard and setting the tone for the rest of the match (7-0, 8th).
Clermont Extends the Advantage
Despite the departure of Sébastien Bezy, who had to leave the field with a right arch injury, Clermont’s momentum remained unbroken. Their physicality continued to overwhelm Benetton, with the forward pack making significant inroads into the Italian defense.
Just before the half-hour mark, young hooker Barnabé Massa scored Clermont’s second try after a well-worked move on the left. Massa repeated the feat minutes later, following a magnificent touch found in the 5m on the right side by Benjamin Urdapilleta, putting Clermont firmly in control (21-0, 39th).
Second Half Resilience and Another Yato Score
The second half saw Benetton show more fight, but Clermont’s defense held firm, preventing the Italians from getting on the scoreboard. The home side, however, struggled to replicate the clinical attacking efficiency of the first half.
With time running out, Peceli Yato again powered through the Benetton defense to secure a fourth try for Clermont, sealing his double and stretching the lead further. An 78th-minute yellow card for Alivereti Raka, for contact with the head on Tao Halafihi, did little to change the course of the game.
Look Ahead To Leinster
Clermont’s comprehensive victory sees them sit atop Pool 2, alongside fellow French side La Rochelle. The Auvergnats now face a significantly tougher test next week as they travel to Ireland to take on Leinster, a side expected to offer far stiffer competition.
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What were the key factors in Clermont’s victory over Benetton Treviso?
## Interview: Clermont’s Champions Cup Triumph
**(Host):** Welcome back to the show. Joining us now is Rugby analyst, [Alex Reed name], to discuss Clermont’s impressive win over Benetton Treviso in the opening round of the Champions Cup. [Alex Reed name], Clermont certainly made a statement with that 28-0 victory. Can you talk about what you saw?
**(Alex Reed):** Absolutely. Clermont came out firing on all cylinders. The conditions were tough, a real downpour, but their forward pack just dominated. They were relentless, driving Benetton back time and time again. It was a physical display of power, and they set the tone for the entire match. [[1](https://rmcsport.bfmtv.com/rugby/coupe-d-europe/direct-champions-cup-clermont-toulon-stade-francais-racing-92-les-resultats-et-les-infos-de-la-1re-journee-en-live_LN-202412070184.html)]mentions Clermont being backed as one of the favorites in the tournament, and based on this performance, you can see why.
**(Host):** Benetton didn’t have the best start, with a yellow card early on. Did that incident change the momentum of the match?
**(Alex Reed):** Definitely. Losing Sebastien Negri for ten minutes was a blow for Benetton, especially against a powerful pack like Clermont’s. It gave Clermont a chance to really assert themselves, and they took full advantage. Even though Negri came back on, the momentum had shifted.
**(Host):** Looking ahead, what does this win mean for Clermont’s Champions Cup campaign?
**(Alex Reed):** It’s a fantastic start. They’ve laid down a marker, showing they’re a force to be reckoned with. Confidence will be high, and they’ll be looking to carry this momentum into their future matches.
**(Host):** [Alex Reed name], thank you for your insights. It’s clear Clermont is a team to watch in this year’s Champions Cup.
