Champions Cup – Notes from Clermont – Bristol: Peceli Yato wreaked havoc and Alivereti Raka saved at the last minute…

The Tops

We don't know if Peceli Yato will finish his career in the second line position, but the number 5 suits him perfectly. Already performing well in Bath in a difficult match for the Jaunards, the Fijian did it again against Bristol. With each ball touched, the future player from Perpignan found a way to move forward, even in static phases. His activity also made it possible to free up space for the first try of the game, scored by Alex Newsome. In defense, Yato also sent himself like hell, like all his teammates, to contain the English attacks in the first act.

For this decisive match, the international winger put on his bright outfit. Little seen in Vannes or Bath in recent weeks, Alivereti Raka took his revenge, and the Bristol Bears paid for it. Always as threatening when the leather arrives in his hands, the number 11 from Clermont especially shone with his finishing skills. At the end of the first period, Raka gave Michelin his special touch by receiving the ball in his lane, five meters away, to finish powerfully in the English goal. At the start of the second half, the winger took advantage of a great combination to make his devastating charges speak again. A performance marred by his last catch where he lost the ball to offer Bristol's last try. But with two tries and a “concede” the ratio remains positive for the winger…

The young flanker soared in the first half. Killian Tixeront stole three throws in Bristol's touchline, notably within thirty meters of ASM. A figure which certainly satisfied Christophe Urios who is waiting for his third line in this sector as a priority. If he was less visible than usual in attack, “Tix” compensated with his activity in touch and defense. A beautiful copy delivered by the former captain of the Bleuets.

The Flops

The Bristol fly-half did not shine in the best way in Clermont. At the helm of a team renowned for its ultra-offensive profile, Harry Byrne played too stereotypically to surprise the thick Auvergne defense. Above all, the Irish fly-half conceded a yellow card after a gross offside foul five meters from his goal line. A few seconds later, the numerical imbalance and the powerful Clermontoise charges allowed the Jaunards to score. In the second half, the Irishman also missed a conversion well within his ropes. And even though he managed to convert the equalizer to 26-26, Harry Byrne should have done better.