BORDEAUX – Australian fly-half Brock James has come off the bench to kick a penalty and drop goal as Clermont turned in a late burst to defeat Toulouse 18-14 in the French Championship semi-finals.
Saturday’s defeat denied Toulouse a chance to win a record-extending 20th domestic title and also ended the reign of mythical coach and manager Guy Noves, who will take over as coach of France following this year’s World Cup.
Noves won two championships as a player with Toulouse and ten titles at the helm of France’s biggest club as well as four European titles.
Clermont will now meet Stade Francais in the final at Stade de France on June 13 after the capital club stunned defending champions Toulon 33-16 yesterday
