Clermont man marking

Scott Spedding Full-back

Caught flat-footed for Ashton’s try but responded brilliantly. A rock under the high ball and chewed up 134 metres with ball in hand. 6

Raphaël Chaume Prop

Drew Nigel Owens’s ire early on for his scrummaging angle but gradually got parity against Koch. Worked hard around the rucks. 7

David Strettle Wing

Not quite the influence he was in the semi-final against Leinster, his former employers. Buzzed intermittently but lacked that one opportunity. 6

Benjamin Kayser Hooker

The old warhorse hit all his marks at the lineout but was targeted defensively by Saracens as a couple of tackles slipped him by. 6

Aurélien Rougerie Centre

Grand old man was just denied a fairy-tale first-half try. Even if the legs are slower, he remains a class act with his breakdown work and reading of the game. 6

Davit Zirakashvili Prop

After more than 13 years at the coalface, the great Georgian remains as potent as ever. Used his experience and strength to put Saracens’ scrum in bother. 8

Rémi Lamerat Centre

The next big thing of French rugby was not going to be denied from close range. Consistently got over the gainline, and wonderful hands. 8

Arthur Iturria Second row

Seen as Jamie Cudmore’s natural successor – there is no higher compliment in Clermont circles. Will be a regular in the French shirt before long. 7

Nick Abendanon Wing

Great cover tackle to snare Ashton, then turned up on the same wing to finish off Yato’s break. A tally of two England caps is an insult to his talent. 7

Sébastien Vahaamahina Second row

Approaching world-class status. For a big man, came up with huge turnovers at the breakdown. His withdrawal through injury hurt Clermont. 8

Camille Lopez Fly-half

Clermont’s comeback would not have materialised had Lopez not had the courage and skill to land a penalty by the corner flag. Lucky to escape sin-bin. 7

Damien Chouly (capt) Flanker

The captain started off quietly but grew into the game strongly, turning up in the wide channels as a ball-carrier. A constant pest at the breakdown. 7

Morgan Parra Scrum-half

Le Petit General was in his element marshalling his troops and getting his team in the right areas. Astonishing bravery to deny Vunipola’s charge. 7

Peceli Yato Flanker

Latest in a long line of distinguished Pacific players to represent Clermont. Almost a hybrid winger, such is his pace and power out wide. 8

Replacements

John Ulugia for Kayser 66, Etienne Falgoux for Chaume 53, Aaron Jarvis for Zirakashvili 76, Paul Jedrasiak for Vahaamahina 45, Alexandre Lapandry for Yato 60, Ludovic Radosavljevic for Parra 74, Pato Fernández for Spedding 70, Damian Penaud for Rougerie 53.

Fritz Lee No 8

Astonishing effort in defeat. At the heart of the Clermont resurgence, combining his ferocious tackling with some excellent breakdown work. 9