‘Chokers’ finally hold their nerve

– Clermont finally held firm when it mattered most, beating Toulon 22-16 in Paris on Sunday to win the French Top 14 final.

Having lost 11 of 12 previous finals, Clermont had earned the unwanted monicker of perennial “chokers”.

But Morgan Parra (above) kicked 17 points as the favourites delivered for once after so many disappointments, including losing European Champions Cup finals to Toulon in 2013 and 2015, and Saracens earlier last month.

Two years ago, they were also beaten Top 14 finalists by Stade Francais.

“I’m proud, we’ve had some years of struggle but I’m proud of everyone – the players, the fans, no-one ever gave up,” Parra told France Televisions.

Coach Franck Azema added: “This team deserves it. On that last (Toulon) line-out, honestly, we thought we’d lose out again.

“It was really tough but so good and intense that you quickly forget it.”

Having played scintillating first half rugby, without getting the reward their dominance deserved, Clermont doggedly held firm in the second period as Toulon, beaten finalists last year by Racing 92, came storming back after the break.

“Two years in a row where we come up short at the same stage – European Cup quarterfinals and league final, it’s tough to swallow. We’re going to have to pick ourselves up,” admitted Toulon hooker Guilhem Guirado.

Four South Africans, captain and eighthman Duane Vermeulen, who injured his shoulder, flanker Juan Smith, lock Juandre Kruger and prop Marcel van der Merwe turned out for Toulon. –

Paris