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Exeter Chiefs
European Champions Cup | Group Stage
Dec 12, 2015 at 5.15pm UK
 
Exeter Chiefs
31-14
ClermontClermont Auvergne
Waldrom (34', 46'), Armand (73')
FT
Gear (8'), Rougerie (18')

Exeter Chiefs hit back to stun Clermont Auvergne

Exeter Chiefs stage an impressive comeback to beat Clermont Auvergne 31-14 at Sandy Park.

Exeter Chiefs climbed to the top of Pool 2 by producing a remarkable comeback to beat Clermont Auvergne 31-14 at Sandy Park.

Clermont started the game brightly, scoring the game's first try inside the opening 10 minutes as Hosea Gear went in under the posts to make it 7-0.

Sam Hill of Exeter Chiefs evades Hosea Gear of Clermont Auvergne during the European Rugby Champions Cup match between Exeter Chiefs and Clermont Auvergne at Sandy Park on December 12, 2015 in Exeter, England.© Getty Images

Gary Steenson replied for the hosts through a penalty shortly after, but it was French side who remained in control in the opening stages.

The visitors used that momentum to go on and score the second try just before the 20-minute mark, as Noa Nakaitaci exposed the Chiefs' blindside with a clever chip, leaving it to Rougerie to do the rest and touch over for the French side's second try.

Thomas Waldrom was responsible for keeping the hosts in touch as he charged over for the try after a patient spell with the ball from Exeter, and he repeated the trick early in the second half to put his side ahead following a maul.

Exeter's Zimbabwean-born flanker Don Armand (L) wins the ball from Clermont's French no 8 Damien Chouly in a line-out during the European Rugby Champions Cup pool rugby union match between Exeter Chiefs and Clermont Auvergne at Sandy Park Stadium in Exete© Getty Images

Exeter were dealt a blow when Phil Dollman was sent to the sin-bin for persistent holding, but it was soon 14 versus after Clermont's Peceli Yato was penalised for a high tackle.

It was Exeter who finished strongly as a long spell of pressure was ended by Don Armand finding the gap for the try, before a tiring Clermont defensive line allowed Mitch Lees to add another converted try in the final minute.

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Gareth Steenson of Exeter Chiefs kicks a penalty during the Aviva Premiership match between Exeter Chiefs and Wasps at Sandy Park on November 22, 2014
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