Intro:

Clermont Auvergne moved back to the top of Pool 1 of the European Rugby Champions Cup following a 22-13 win at Sale on Saturday (17th January).

Script:

Clermont Auvergne were the overwhelming favourites when they visited Manchester to take on Sale in the European Rugby Champions Cup on Saturday.

The French side were ahead at the break 6-3 through two converted penalties from Camille Lopez.

Sale were still in touching distance thanks to outhalf and England Six Nations hopeful Danny Cipriani's converted penalty.

After the restart, Wesley Fofana was shown a yellow card for a dangerous tackle on Tom Arscott.

Sale made the extra man count with a driving maul from a lineout.

It was brought down and the referee awarded a penalty try.

To make matters worse for Clermont, Jamie Cudmore was shown a yellow card and they were down to 13 men.

Cipriani slotted the conversion to give Sale a 10-6 lead, but Lopez kicked his third, then fourth penalty to restore Clermont's advantage.

In the 76th minute Fritz Lee put the result beyond doubt when he barged his way over.

The final score 22-13 to Clermont who now go top of Pool One.

They'll face Saracens next in a winner takes all final round clash.