Clermont in Stade de France heroics

Clermont beat Stade Francais 21-19 on Saturday for their first ever victory at the Stade de France following four final defeats and French championship losses to Stade since 1999.

The Parisian club's owner Max Guazzini had ensured a full house crowd with his mix of elite rugby and pre-game razzmatazz and the 79,842 spectators was a record for a regular-season French championship game.

A penalty from Australian outside-half Brock James and a missed kick by his Stade Francais opposite number Lionel Beauxis sealed victory for Clermont in a tight match.

Stade Francais retained their third spot in the table ahead of Clermont thanks to their bonus point.

The Parisians led 13-6 at the break thanks to a Mathieu Bastareaud try, converted by Beauxis and who also kicked two penalties.

Clermont's James had scored two penalties before the break and, after the interval, team-mates Julien Malzieu and John Senio both touched down.