Clermont's Quadruple Dream Falls Short as Sharks Mount Impressive Late Charge

After taking a 13-point lead at the start of the second half, Clermont ultimately fell 32-31 in the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup against the Sharks at Twickenham Stoop in London. France had won the last three Challenge Cup tournaments, thanks to the efforts of Montpellier, Lyon, and Toulon. However, Clermont failed to secure a fourth consecutive victory for French rugby.

Clermont's Challenge Cup Dream Dashed by Sharks' Late Surge in London

In a cruel twist of fate, Clermont's bid for a Challenge Cup quadruple was shattered on Saturday afternoon at Twickenham Stoop, as South African underdogs the Sharks emerged victorious with a heart-pounding 32-31 victory.

The French side had been brimming with confidence after securing a 13-point lead early in the second half, but indiscipline and a relentless Sharks outfit would prove their undoing. With just ten minutes remaining, Makazole Mapimpi's clinical finish condemned Clermont to a fate that echoed their narrow defeat to Montpellier in the 2022 final.

Clermont had begun the match with a flourish, scoring three tries in a dominant first half that promised a comfortable victory. Joris Jurand showcased his finishing prowess with a brace, while Alex Newsome added the third. However, indiscipline proved costly, with Siya Masuku keeping the Sharks in touch with three penalties.

The second half began with an ominous warning for Clermont when Jurand was denied a potential fourth try due to a marginal offside call. A yellow card to Bautista Delguy further weakened their resolve, and Vincent Koch soon crashed over for a try that reduced the deficit to six points.

Even when the Sharks were also reduced to 14 men following Aphelele Fassi's reckless challenge on Jurand, Clermont failed to capitalize. Belleau's subsequent penalty attempt went astray, and Mapimpi's moment of brilliance ultimately sealed the Sharks' triumph.

The defeat marks another bitter blow for French rugby, which had hoped to emulate their recent dominance in the competition. Montpellier, Lyon, and Toulon had all claimed the Challenge Cup in the previous three seasons, but Clermont's failure means the French rugby's hopes now rest solely on Toulouse.

Despite the disappointment, Clermont's players and coaching staff can hold their heads high. They pushed the Sharks to the brink, and were ultimately undone by a few small mistakes and the brilliance of Mapimpi's game-winning try.

The Sharks, meanwhile, will head to the final full of confidence. They have defied expectations throughout the competition, and their victory over Clermont proves that they are a force to be reckoned with in European rugby.