That was a terrible start.
It’s half-time in Lyon and Leinster are 15-3 down with an absolute mountain to climb.
The game has been played in 20-degree heat but blustery conditions all the same.
The match has been played at a frantic pace and you would expect the match could even become more fragmented in the second half as both sets of players become fatigued.
Leo Cullen’s side got off to a disastrous start when they conceded a try just after five minutes.
Clermont spread the ball wide before David Strettle chipped through.
Peceli Yato was first on the scene and touched down for the first try of the game.
Parra added the conversion and it was 7-0 to the home side.
https://twitter.com/Sean_McMahon89/status/856148069532004355
Things took a turn for the worse when Isa Nacewa pulled on the jersey of a supporting Clermont player.
Nigel Owens reviewed the footage and sent Nacewa to the bin.
https://twitter.com/Sean_McMahon89/status/856149397528354819
Moments later, Clermont scored their second try in the corner by taking advantage of the space allowed by the absent Nacewa.
It was Strettle this time around who got the score but thankfully for Leinster, Parra missed the conversion after earlier slotting a penalty.
15-0 down and a mountain to climb.
Leinster’s game has been plagued by a malfunctioning lineout, indiscipline at the breakdown and some sloppy tackles.
And their fans were certainly beleaguered.
https://twitter.com/RealDermotJ/status/856154374736760832
https://twitter.com/markusjacksonus/status/856152888443363329
Well just completely getting out played #ASMvLEI
— Seymour Butts (@robertdollard) April 23, 2017
This is shocking, Leinster rattled – too many errors #ASMvLEI
— Paul Daly✖️ (@Paullyie) April 23, 2017
It could be a long afternoon in Lyon #ASMvLEI
— Fiona Monaghan (@fmonaghan1) April 23, 2017
https://twitter.com/paulsweeney11/status/856151332952178688
However, Clermont failed to add to their lead and Leinster hit back with a penalty through Jonathan Sexton just before the half-time whistle.
They will still be confident that they can turn this around.
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