Stormers fade in second half as they go down to Clermont in Champions Cup

Clermont roared back in the second half to open their Champions Cup campaign with a 24-14 victory over the Stormers in France.

The three-time finalists trailed the United Rugby Championship (URC) title-holders 14-3 at half-time, with Deon Fourie scoring the Stormers' first try in European competition and a further nine points coming from the tee.

However, John Dobson's tournament debutants could not add to their haul after the interval and Clermont recovered with tries from Alex Newsome and Alivereti Raka, while Jules Plisson took his tally for the match to 14 points.

The team from Cape Town will have been pleased with their display in the first half as Fourie was especially as also outstanding in the rucks with three turnovers.

The hosts up the tempo after the interval and their relentless kicking game forced the Stormers to scramble in defence and Clermont took full advantage.

Centre Cheikh Tiberghien produced a sumptuously floated pass to Australian winger Alex Newsome, who did well to finish in the right corner.

Newsome's midfield partner Raka was rewarded in the 64th minute when the home team's  pressure told again and the ball did go through the hands.

The Stormers will next host English Premiership side London Irish at Cape Town Stadium next Saturday.